As the Millcreek Township School District moves forward with its proposed $120 million budget for the 2024-25 academic year, homeowners are facing the prospect of a 2% property-tax increase.
This increase, if approved, would generate approximately $1.2 million in additional revenue for the district, translating to an extra $31.90 for every $100,000 of a property’s assessed value.
The decision to opt for a 2% tax increase comes after earlier projections hinted at a 3% hike. Millcreek Township School Director Michael Lindner commended the district for its efforts to minimize the increase, emphasizing the importance of prudent financial management during the board’s April committee meetings.
One source of additional revenue for the district in the upcoming year will be from fines collected through BusPatrol camera systems installed on school buses. These systems are expected to contribute approximately $50,000 to the district’s coffers by penalizing drivers who illegally pass stopped buses.
However, increased costs are also on the horizon, primarily driven by rising employee salaries and benefits. Health care coverage expenses are projected to rise by around 4.2%, a decrease from the initial forecast of an 8% increase.
Salary costs are estimated to increase by 4.09%, accounting for projected wage hikes and the addition of 24 new positions, particularly in special education and school safety.
With the uptick in special education enrollment, the district is responding by expanding its staff, including the addition of four more school safety officers to ensure each of the district’s 10 schools has dedicated security personnel.
Overall, salary and benefit expenditures are expected to make up nearly 70% of the total budget, reflecting the district’s commitment to providing quality education through its workforce.
Revenue sources for the district predominantly come from local taxes, with property taxes contributing over $80 million to the estimated total revenue of $120.4 million for the upcoming year. State and federal funding also play a role, providing $37.5 million and $2.8 million, respectively.
Homeowners and residents can review the proposed budget at the district administration building or access it online. Final approval of the budget is anticipated at the School Board’s May 28 business meeting, marking a crucial step in determining the financial trajectory for the Millcreek Township School District in the coming academic year.