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Baldwin-Whitehall budget up for vote
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The Baldwin-Whitehall School Board will vote at its meeting next Wednesday on a $59.67 million budget for 2012-13 that raises taxes by one-half mill.
"This is very necessary to retain the stability in this school district," board President John Schmotzer said at the board's Wednesday agenda meeting.
The increase will cost taxpayers $50 more per year on every $100,000 of assessed value and generate about $700,000 more for the district.
The district lowered taxes the past three years. If passed, it will be the first tax increase in five years.
"The budget does not reduce any educational programs whatsoever in the school district," Mr. Schmotzer said.
He blamed the need to generate additional income on state cuts, an increase in the pension contribution mandated by the state, rising health care costs and the unfunded cost of cyber- and charter schools.
About 160 students are enrolled in cyber- and charter schools, which costs the district about $1 million.
The budget amount is seven-tenths percent less than the current budget amount. The current tax rate is 23.4 mills. Each mill generates a little less than $1.5 million.
First Published June 7, 2012 12:00 am
