Fort Cherry budget includes tax increase
HICKORY – Fort Cherry School Board adopted a final 2016-17 budget of $17.5 million Monday, increasing the real estate property tax by 4 mills and average annual bills by $38. The new millage rate of 130.5 reels in an additional $190,000 in revenue, according to business manager Jessica Drylie. The budget records a deficit of $185,000 and the elimination of home economics and the program’s sole teacher.
“Home economics is going down everywhere. Vo-tech schools are axing it, as the Western Area Career and Technology Center budget did as well. When we were starting the year off with a $700,000 deficit, the only way we’re going to save money is through programs and people,” said Superintendent Dr. Jill Jacoby.
Board member Jeanine Robinson Miles sought an increase in substitute teacher pay from $80 to $85 per day for the first 30 days, and then $90 for 30 to 90 days. Long-term subs would be paid $100 per day, which remained unchanged in the initial budget proposal as Miles motioned and the board voted 6-2 for approval for the new rates. Christopher Lauff and Cynthia Gaskill voted no. Melinda Errett was absent.
“I just want us to be on par with other area school districts,” Miles said.
“If we have to cut an entire home economics program, I don’t see how (increasing temporary wages) is helping our problems,” Gaskill said.
The board discussed and gave preliminary approval to refinance $2.75 million in bonds from 2013, which aims to net about $180,000 in savings to help finance water and sewer lines in the district, of which the estimated cost is the same amount, according to Jacoby.
Jacoby also said the district is looking at a future cost of about $40,000 for fire alarm and light upgrades so the schools would be up to code.