May 21, 2013 2 min read

During a special meeting Monday, Fort Cherry school board voted to accept a preliminary budget of $15,749,549. That total increases the budget by roughly $125,000 from last year and comes with a 2.5 increase in millage.

Superintendent Robert Dinnen said the tax increase would help the district pay for improvements to district facilities.

“The millage increase is to hopefully build up funding for some capital improvement projects,” Dinnen said. Those improvements included projects to replace a section of roof at the elementary center and carpeting in both the elementary and high school buildings.

The district also was hoping to build a new track and field facility.

“We have a number of WPIAL champions in track and field, and our kids don’t have a track,” Dinnen said. “So, hopefully this will help make that come true.”

Revenues exceed expenditures in the proposed budget, with a roughly $200,000 surplus earmarked to help pay annual debt service for the proposed projects. Dinnen said there currently was no price tag for construction. Within the next few months, the board is expected to consider a $4 million bond issue.

Dinnen said the 2.5-mill increase would mean an increase of $25 in property taxes to the average district homeowner, based on the district’s median home value.

The budget passed with a 6-2 vote, with Christopher Lauff and Tina Cottrill voting no. Melinda Errett, Brant Miller, Larry Heirendt, Leann Darnley, Jodi McKay and James White were in favor of the motion, and Elmo Cecchetti was absent.

Board members also voted to reappoint Washington Financial as district depositors for general and operational accounts. Melinda Errett was approved as treasurer.