Jan 25, 2017 By Mark Soroka for The 2 min read

ROSTRAVER TWP. — Belle Vernon Area School District’s 2017 budget won’t include a tax increase higher than 3.5 percent, board members voted on Monday.

During the meeting, Dr. John Wilkinson, district superintendent, recommended a preliminary budget that would have permitted the district to employ exceptions to support the budget. Specifically, the exceptions for special education and PSERS (Public School Employees’ Retirement System) could potentially increase the amount of tax that could be collected. If these exceptions were approved by the state, the school district would have the option to raise taxes higher than the 3.5 percent ceiling.

“The opportunity to apply for the exceptions would have given us a cushion with our budget, if needed,” said Wilkinson. “There is always the chance we may need a little extra money for unexpected expenses during the year.”

Wilkinson asked the board to pass a preliminary budget with the proposed exceptions and make it available for public inspection. However, the board voted not to approve Wilkinson’s proposal and decided that its 2017 budget will not exceed the base index set by the state for tax increases. Directors will have until June 30 to approve a final budget, which may or may not reflect a tax increase.

“I will work diligently with the administrators and the board to provide a budget that meets the needs of the Belle Vernon Area children and which is fiscally responsible,” said Wilkinson.

In other action, the board hired James R. Dzurica as the new business manager for the Belle Vernon Area School District. A graduate of Mercyhurst College, Dzurica recently served as one of the business managers for the North Allegheny School District.