May 23, 2014 2 min read

The Ringgold and Charleroi Area school boards are proposing real estate tax increases to meet expenses in those districts next term.

Charleroi on Tuesday posted a 2014-15 budget of $21.2 million that includes a 3-mill tax increase. Ringgold on Wednesday posted a tentative $40.8 million budget for next term calling for a 2-mill tax increase.

Charleroi business manager Crystal Zahand said health benefits will increase in the district by 4 1/2 percent and that salaries, at a total of $14.3 million, will consume nearly 68 percent of the revenues. Retirement contributions in Charleroi also will increase from 16.3 percent to 21.4 percent. The millage rate in that district is currently 130 mills, with 1 mill earning the district $50,000 in revenue.

Ringgold business manager Randy Skrinjorich said the school board is proposing to set aside 1 mill of new tax revenue for a future construction project in a district that is edging toward building a new middle school. Instructional costs, including salaries and supplies, will cost Ringgold taxpayers $22.5 million. The other new mill of taxation would be used to meet general increases in costs, particularly an $800,000 increase in pension expenses, Skrinjorich said.

The Ringgold tax rate is currently set at 120 mills, with 1 mill earning the district $125,000.

Charleroi is expected to receive $7.3 million in local taxes and $7.4 million in state subsidies. Ringgold is expected to receive $15.2 million in local taxes and $20.3 million from state sources.