×

Tentative budget forecasts potential tax increase

The tentative budget for the Loyalsock Township School District was approved Wednesday night at the district’s board meeting. It reflects a .25 mil increase that brings the millage in the township to 14.92 for 2019-2020, which would result in homeowners paying $25 more for every $100,000 of their property’s assessed value.

Voting for the tentative budget were: Charles W. Edmonds, Christina L. Kiessling, Robert D. Leidhecker, John B. Raymond and Paul R. Young. Voting no was Edward H. Ade Jr. Members absent were: David P. Hornberger, Carolyn R. Strickland and Melvin E. Wentzel.

The board was quick to note that even with the increase, the district’s tax rate is the second lowest in the area.

Total expenditures under the tentative balanced budget are $23,681,681 which is a 2.57% increase over the 2018-2019 budget. Increases in

expenditures were in the categories of salaries, healthcare, retirement contributions, special education and debt services.

Local revenues are expected to increase $260,000, with $200,000 of that coming from the proposed tax rate increase and the remainder coming from growth. Increases on the local level were also come from the Earned Income Tax, accrual of interest and an increase in rental due to an agreement with BLaST.

On the state level, revenues would result from an increase in subsidies in basic and special education and reimbursements in retirement and social security. Revenue from the federal government comes from an increase in the Title IV subsidy.

The board noted this was a first reading of the tentative budget and there is still time for adjustments to be made before the June 30 deadline for passage of a final budget. A work session is planned for the beginning of May to discuss the budget, the board announced.

A letter of intent with Tangent Energy Solutions, Inc., Kennett Square was approved by the board. The company will develop a solar photovoltaic systems plan for the district before the district would enter into an agreement to place solar panels on district school rooftops. If the district does not accept the final proposal, only the engineering costs, which can be no more than $3,000, would be paid by the district.

Under personnel, the board approved:

• Cathy Miller and Sherry Dusman as food service substitutes at a rate of $9.75 per hour.

• Family and medical leave for Traci Friant, elementary teacher.

• The resignation of Kirstin Hamilton, food service employee.

• The termination of Kayla Bausinger as a temporary part-time/substitute custodial employee.

A contract with Dominic Cavallaro, Harrisburg, for a curriculum audit was approved by the board. Total cost of the audit is not to exceed $5,000.

The board approved a recommendation authorizing the superintendent to enter into agreements with the following higher education institutions for student teacher placements: Bloomsburg, Gwennyd Mercy, Lock Haven and Mansfield Universities and Lycoming College.

A referral agreement with Crossroads Counseling, Inc. was also approved by the board.

The next meeting will be a work session at 6 p.m. May 1, at the Board Conference Room, 1605 Four Mile Drive.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today