FAIRFIELD — Nearly four years ago, Fairfield voters approved a 2-mill levy that was to last one year.

        This spring, the Board of Education hopes to repeat that feat.It plans to place a 2.9-mill operating levy on the May 8 ballot to stave off a deficit. The district already is dipping into its reserve to balance this year's budget.

        “It's a tight budget,” Superintendent Robert Farrell said of the scenario outlined by consultant Dean Horton, assuming a 2.9-mill levy. “We have many good programs going on. I would not say they are Cadillacs.”

        The levy is expected to raise about $2.9 million an nually, with collections beginning in January 2002. That's enough money to pay for 29 employees over the next three years but not enough to begin an all-day kindergarten program or other major curriculum enhancements, Mr. Farrell said.

        It will allow the district to provide more help to students struggling to pass proficiency tests, improve technology training, maintain existing programs and allow the district to hire additional teachers as enrollment warrants, he said.

        “We were extremely frugal with our money last time,” said Anne Crone, board president. “We only (expanded) programs where needed. I believe we can go with 2.9 mills ... (and) let it stretch a little bit longer.”

        Mr. Horton said his estimates were purposely figured on the conservative side. It is possible, he said, the levy could last longer than the three years he estimated. A lot of unknowns, including state funding, could affect finances.

        “There are a lot of things that can and will happen between now and June 2005,” Mr. Horton said. “The further out you go, the less reliable the figures are.”

        If the levy is approved, the owner of a $100,000 home would pay an additional $89 each year. The board has scheduled a special meeting for 5 p.m. Monday to decide whether to put the levy on the ballot.

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