Burgettstown passes budget with 4-mill increase
Burgettstown school board on Monday approved a $19.1 million budget for 2016-17 that includes a 4-mill tax increase.
The new 132-mill rate will generate $208,000 in revenue, according to business manager Jamie O’ Donnell. That means, for example, $80 in new annual property taxes for owners of homes assessed at $20,000.
“Some of our challenges in the budget include increased contractual obligations of $165,659. Employee benefits increased $131,834,” said Superintendent James Walsh. “Our contribution to the state pension plan is increasing $404,487. That’s a 16.2 percent increase. Tuition for students attending cyberschool will cost over $620,000 next year. (Insurance) coverage will increase 6 percent.”
Walsh said there were a few spots where the district saved money. Staff retirements will save $95,800; the decision to refinance bonds reduced debts by $70,000; and supply costs were reduced by 10 percent.