McGuffey adopts tax increase
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During a special meeting held Thursday, the McGuffey School Board adopts a 2013-14 budget that includes a tax increase of 2.67 mills.
The $28,992,947 budget represents an increase of $530,171 from last year. The district’s millage is now 120 mills.
Scott Burchill, the district’s business administrator, said depletion in the amount of coal mined by energy companies in the area meant a significant reduction in tax revenue. In addition, the retirement fund, one of the district’s largest expenditures, increased from about 12 percent of the budget in 2012-13 to almost 17 percent in 2013-14.
Even with the increased millage, McGuffey’s newest budget came with a $63,553 deficit, which would be paid from the district’s fund balance.
Regardless, Burchill said the board felt positive moving into the new fiscal year.
“This budget allows us to keep all the programs currently in place for the next school year,” Burchill said. “The board feels good about that.”
According to Washington County tax officials, the mean, or average, home assessment in the district is $12,420. A 2.67-mill increase means a roughly $33.16 increase in annual taxes for the average homeowner.
The motion to approve the budget was passed with a vote of 6-1 with board members Ronald Richey and Richard Shriver absent. Darrin Iams was the lone board member in opposition to the increased millage.
In addition to real estate taxes, residents also will pay $5 per capita school code and Act 51 taxes, a $10 flat rate occupation tax and 0.5 percent wage and realty estate transfer taxes.
Board members also voted unanimously to approve a resolution providing up to $259 in assistance to residents within the school district approved for property tax relief by the Washington County Assessment Office. $873,250 was allocated by the state Department of Education in state gaming revenue to help fund the tax breaks.
The board also unanimously approved a motion to purchase stage curtains for the high school auditorium from Pittsburgh Stage Inc. at a cost of $29,808.
After an executive session, the board also regretfully accepted the resignation of superintendent Beverly Arbore, who after 40 years in education said she was ready to retire.
“I loved working for such a wonderful district,” Arbore said. “It’s been a pleasure to serve McGuffey.”