Garnet Valley School District taxes to rise 2.4 percent
CONCORD » The Garnet Valley School Board approved the 2017-18 final general fund budget with very slight changes from the proposed version passed in May. The total budget has a small rise to $103,795,307 representing a $3 million (3 percent) increase in expenditures over the current year. However, the real estate tax remains at a 2.4 percent increase.
The millage rate for Chester Heights and Concord is 31.75 mills. Bethel’s rate is 32.1059 mills including an additional .3559 mills for participation in Delaware County Community College. A property assessed at $100,000 in Chester Heights or Concord would incur tax of $3,175.00, a $74.37 increase over the current year. A property assessed at $100,000 in Bethel would incur tax of $3,210.59, a $75.64 increase. Residents approved for the homestead exclusion will have a $218.35 tax credit.
The final budget increases are under the district’s Act I Index of 2.5 percent, which complies with a board resolution in January not to exceed the index by way of taking allowable exceptions.
In his review of the final budget, Christopher Wilson, business administrator, stressed the nondiscretionary costs. Salaries and benefits are about 61 percent of the overall budget. The pension fund alone is 15 percent, and continuing to rise as per the state’s mandated schedule. The revenue side is overwhelmingly local real estate tax at $83 million or 81 percent.
Wilson’s observations were emphasized by board President Rosemary Fuimara.
“There’s only about 8 to 13 percent of the budget we can play with,” said Fiumara.
Mandated costs drive the increases, including special education, adjustment to curriculum to meet state standards and — still a significant factor — the hike in pensions and benefits. The district is still working within existing contracts which have a relatively minor addition in expenses.
In somewhat of a rare show of public support, Maris Grove resident Walt Copper had kudos for the board.
“The administration and school board are doing a fine job of explaining (the budget) as they’ve come to Maris Grove to talk with us. I’m impressed with what you’ve done this year. What really gets you are the damned unfunded mandates,” said Copper.
Copper noted that the district’s tax base has grown with many new businesses, and advocated that residents support those leading taxpayers. Superintendent Marc Bertrando said it was an unusual and novel approach, but noted the common sense of it.
The budget will be submitted to the state Department of Education as it stands, although the state has not passed its budget for any indication of changes in contributions.
In the other highlights of the meeting, the board had three separate recognitions for outstanding contributions. Recognition was approved for 23 professionals and support staff who had a total of 465 years of service. Four individuals in that group were present for presentation of a gift and appreciate.
Congratulations were made to Ben Slomowitz for reaching scouting’s highest rank of Eagle Scout. Ben, who will be a junior in the fall, is a member of Scout Troup 260 of Concordville. He created an educational and recreational nature area at the Concept School in Westtown for his Eagle project.
Last and by no means least, the board recognized bus driver Joseph Farrell. He received “a special thanks and gratitude for his quick thinking and expertise in handling an emergency situation when an electrical fire happened on his bus. Joe followed all emergency procedures and got all the students off the bus and in a safe place.”
Bertrando said Farrell knew what began as a small fire “wouldn’t just go away.” His immediate action prevented what could have been a dramatically different outcome.