Preliminary budget OK'd in McKeesport Area with 0.44-mill tax hike
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The McKeesport Area school board last week approved a $59.8 million preliminary 2012-13 budget that would avoid furloughs but raise property taxes by 0.44 mill to 17.49 mills. The budget also calls for the district to use $3.9 million of its $5.3 million reserve fund.
The tax hike would amount to an additional $20 a year for the average home in the district, business manager Dave Seropian said.
Three board members -- Christopher Halaszynski, Mark Holtzman and Steven Kondrosky -- voted against the proposed spending plan, and Mr. Holtzman objected to some board members faulting Gov. Tom Corbett.
"I'm not blaming the governor," he said. "I think we need to tighten our own belts," namely in the administration and central office. "I wouldn't support a tax increase," he said.
Superintendent Timothy Gabauer said the district was trying to prevent furloughs and hoped to eliminate jobs only through attrition.
Mr. Seropian said he hopes to use less of the reserve funds in the final budget, which has to be approved by June 30.
In other matters, the board renewed its contract with Nutrition Inc. to provide the district's food service management. Lunch prices will increase 10 cents to $1.15 for elementary students and $1.25 for secondary students.
First Published May 31, 2012 5:16 am
