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A tax increase for Montoursville Area School District property owners in the coming fiscal year would seem to be a foregone conclusion.
But what would the increase be?
The school board took up that question once again at a recent meeting.
Without a tax hike, school directors are faced with a $35.5 million spending plan and a $1.5 million deficit, according to figures released by Business Manager Brandy Smith.
The board could choose to use money from budgetary reserves to decrease, but not eliminate the deficit.
"I said a no-tax increase last year will come back and haunt us," board member David Young said. "I don't want to say I told you so, but I told you so."
Smith presented to the board possible real estate millage tax hikes ranging from 0.40 to 1.12 while tapping $697,425 in budgetary reserves.
A 0.40 mill increase would leave a $1.2 million deficit. With a 1.12 millage hike, the deficit would amount to $645,000.
Homeowners with properties having an assessed value of $100,000 would pay an additional $40 in real estate taxes next year under a 0.40 millage increase. A 1.12-millage hike would mean an additional $120 in property taxes for those same homeowners.
Properties with higher assessed values, which includes most homes in the district, would pay more.
Board member Daniel Albert noted that for many years the board has held the line on taxes.
"When you don't change your tax rates, what are you really doing?" he asked.
The district, he noted, still faces possible building project expenses for improvements to elementary schools.
Board member Sharon Meyer said no one wants to raise taxes, but costs continue to increase.
Smith noted that questions remain on the amount of state revenues coming to the district.
School directors are expected to act on a proposed final budget plan in May.
In other business, under personnel, the following were approved for positions:
• Loretta Day and Amanda Hemsarth, substitute teachers.
• Kailey Betz, long-term substitute teacher.
• Gabrielle Martin, bus aide.
• Katie Hummel, assistant cheerleading coach, fall and winter sports seasons, $4,000 stipend.
The next board meeting is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 14, at the high school.