Connellsville residents could see school tax increase
CONNELLSVILLE – Taxpayers residing within the Connellsville Area School District could see an increase in next year’s tax bill if the board heeds the recommendation of its financial director. District business manager Bill Harper said Wednesday he will propose a 4.7 mill tax increase for homeowners to cover one-half of the budget deficit that currently stands at $1.7 million.
“We can’t continue to deplete the fund balance,” he said. “At the rate we’re going, there will be nothing left in two years if we don’t raise taxes.”
Last year, the board moved to balance the budget through the savings account. It currently stands at approximately $4.5 million.
It was anticipated that the board would address the $50 million budget during Wednesday’s meeting, but because the panel could not garner sufficient support to place it on the agenda during its Tuesday planning session, there was no action taken or discussion about the issue.
District superintendent Gerald Browell noted a June 27 special meeting would be held to address the budget and any other matters.
The spending plan must be adopted and forwarded to the state Department of Education by June 30.
Harper, meanwhile, said his proposed tax increase could be reduced if the state legislators increased its allocation to the state education budget.
In the current state budget being reviewed by the general assembly, the school district would see a one-percent increase in its education subsidy – down three-percent from last year.
“I’m hearing rumors it may be increased to two-percent, which would really help,” said Harper. “Unfortunately, they may also wait until June 30 to pass their budget, which will not help us.”
Board member Francis Mongell said he would not support a tax increase.
“This has nothing to do with the construction project being considered, this stems from the construction project two years ago when they didn’t raise taxes,” he said.
Turning to other matters, the board also:
Approved Michael Brienza as senior high assistant volleyball coach, Kimberly Clark as assistant swimming/diving coach, James Martin as senior high girls’ assistant soccer coach and Thomas D. Dolde as senior high first assistant football coach.
Named Michael Stange as senior high student council sponsor and Kimberly Fleck as senior high honor society sponsor.
Adopted a $1.7 million budget for the 2002-2003 North Fayette Vocational-Technical School.