Oct 22, 2013 4 min read

JEFFERSON – Jefferson-Morgan School Board, which expects to receive a feasibility study on renovating the district’s junior-senior high school soon, discussed the need Monday to raise taxes to fund the project.

The board voted to hire Public Financial Management Inc., a financial consultant, to assist it in developing a plan to finance the renovations that will be defined by the feasibility study being conducted by architect Valentour, English, Bodnar and Howell.

The board also discussed approving an early budget, which will be required to allow the board to increase taxes next year in excess of the inflationary index established by the Taxpayers Relief Act, which the board is likely to do.

Districts that proposed increasing property taxes in excess of the index must approve a budget in January and either receive an exception from the state Department of Education or have the tax increase approved in a voter referendum.

Exceptions are only granted to districts facing additional costs as a result of retirement contributions, special education expenditures or to cover debt for school construction either previously approved by voters or incurred prior to 2006, the date of the law.

Though the board will not have an estimate on how much the project will cost until the feasibility study is completed, its budget and finance committee has begun looking at project financing, Superintendent Donna Furnier said.

It was determined if the district increases taxes to what is allowed by the inflationary index it would only be able to raise an additional $90,000 in revenue. That is not expected to be enough to finance the renovation project, Furnier said.

Board member Cindy Jento, a member of the budget and finance committee, also said she expects the board will have to increase taxes in excess of the index to generate the revenue it needs for the project.

Renovations to the junior-senior high are needed and can’t be put off any longer, board member Jon Hildebrand said. He said he hopes if the district provides residents with information on the need for the project they will get behind it.

It will be the residents of the district, he said, who will “give us the ability” to go forward with it, apparently referring to the need for the tax increase to be approved by the voters.

Furnier said committee members agree that in addressing the renovation project it will be important for the district to be fiscally responsible and transparent in its planning. It also must communicate well with the public so residents understand the purpose of any tax increases, she said.

The board also approved a resolution that will allow it to include in any project financing the $217,631 now being spent to replace the roofs over the auditorium and gymnasium at the junior-senior high.

The board wanted the roof replacement project included in the renovation project but because of the poor condition of the roofs decided to move ahead with that part of the project immediately.

The board also hopes the roof replacement costs can be included in a request for state reimbursement, should the state again offer reimbursements for school capital improvement projects.

The state in October implemented a moratorium on reimbursements for school construction projects, which it had been providing through its planning and construction workbook, or PlanCon, process.

In other business, the board accepted the resignation of technology administrator Adam Swinchock, who was hired as technology coordinator in the Peters Township School District. His last day is Nov. 15. The board thanked Swinchock for his service and dedication to the district.

The board approved contracting technology services with the Intermediate Unit 1 until a new technology coordinator can be hired.

The board voted to purchase an electronic marquee for the front of the school at an estimated cost of $31,500. Dan Wagner voted against the motion; Lisa Mattish was absent.

Maintenance supervisor Scott Lafferty reported that leaks on the elementary school roof might be caused by wild turkeys that apparently roost there at night. He said he was working with the Pennsylvania Game Commission to trap them and take them to another area.