Taxes and spending rise in proposed Garnet Valley schools budget
CONCORD » The Garnet Valley School Board approved the 2018-19 proposed final general fund budget of $107,200,208 representing a $3.9 million, or 3.8 percent, increase in expenditures over the current year. However, the real estate tax is 2.33 percent, clearing the district’s Act I 2.4 percent index.
The millage rate for Chester Heights and Concord is 32.49 mills. Bethel’s rate is 32.8614 mills including .3714 mills for participation in Delaware County Community College. In Chester Heights and Concord, each $100,000 of assessed value would incur tax of $3,249.00, a $74 increase over the current year. In Bethel, each $100,000 of assessed value would incur tax of $3,286.14, a $76.04 increase.
The board had no substantive discussion on the budget as it had been previously reviewed in its preliminary stage and no major changes were made. As the combined work session and regular board meeting in May had only one member of the public, the board went directly to a vote, approving the budget unanimously 8-0. Director Bob Anderson was not present.
Among the highlights in the revenue area were deficits from residential and commercial tax appeals; the unknown state budget, using level funding from the prior year; and reduced rental income from the district-owned Pennington School, formerly leased by Delaware County Intermediate Unit. The IDEA funding from the federal government for special education services remained level.
In the positive column were slight increases in funding from the federal government for title grants; medical access funding; interest income; and reverse real estate appeals and new construction.
Budget challenges included mandated expenditures in special education, and the retirement/ pension costs reflected a net annual increase of $564,087. Contracted salaries of $49.7 million and all benefits at $31 million constitute nearly 80 percent of the overall budget. In a similar vein, local revenue is 81 percent of the total income.
“The district intends to work over the next several weeks to indentify additional revenue opportunities and expense reductions before the final budget is adopted in June,” said Business Administrator Chris Wilson. He noted the final numbers could go up or down. However, historically, the property tax rate has not generally changed from this stage to final adoption.
The budget Power Point presentation and well as the formal Pennsylvania Department of Education format are available at the district office, and are posted on the district website HYPERLINK “http://www.garnetvalleyschools.com” http:// www.garnetvalleyschools. com (go to business office and budget information).