Carmichaels OKs tax increase
CARMICHAELS – Carmichaels Area School Board adopted the district’s 2013-14 budget Thursday, increasing the tax levy by 0.55 of a mill to raise money for the district’s school renovation project.
The $15,292,818 budget is about 3.5 percent greater than the current budget. It will increase the tax levy from 21.5 mills to 22.05 mills.
The 0.55 of a mill will raise about $67,000, all of which will be used to help make payments on bonds issued for the school renovation project, said business manager Amy Todd. The board last raised taxes five years ago.
The tax hike will increase the tax bill for a property owner whose property is assessed at $40,000 by $22.82 to $882. A person whose property is assessed at $100,000 will see an increase of $55.82 for a tax bill of $2,205.
Property owners eligible for the homestead or farmstead exception will be able to subtract $226.18 from their property tax bill this year.
The budget funds all existing programs. The position of one teacher who retired will not be filled.
Some of the line items in which the district saw large increases include the contribution to the state retirement fund, which increased $300,000; debt service payments for bonds issued for the renovation project, $370,000; and salaries, $100,000.
The 0.55 mills was the highest the board could raise taxes this year under requirements of the Taxpayer Relief Act without approving an early budget and obtain approval from the state, local court or voters, through a ballot referendum.
The board is moving ahead with plans to renovate all three of its buildings, a project estimated to cost between $23 million and $25 million. With state reimbursement estimated at $7 million, the district’s costs will be between $16 million and $18 million.
It met prior to the meeting with district architect Kevin Hayes and during the meeting approved a preliminary scope of work for the project.
In other business, the board hired Crystal Pratt as an elementary teacher. Pratt has been a long-term substitute in the district and was highly recommend by the administration.
The board also hired Brittney Giovanelli as a special education teacher and Carl Sanner as a maintenance technician.
The board approved a one-year extension on the secretaries compensation plan and one-year extensions for security director Mike Gyurke and school community facilitator Tim Jones. All accepted wage freezes.
The board hired Ryan Krull as head football coach and assistant coaches Brad Burnett, Fred Morecraft, John Menhart, Joshua Novotny, Jan Haiden, Ron Gallagher and Richard Krause. Gallagher’s position is funded by the Quarterback Club, and Krause’s salary is donated back to the district. Krause is a member of the school board.
The board accepted the resignations of Joanna Walker, drama coach; Erin Drury, assistant band director; and Cassie Menhart, senior class sponsor. The board thanked maintenance supervisor Lou May, who is retiring June 30 after 27 years with the district.