School Board Members Hear, Discuss Possible Tax Increase

By Christopher Miller

BALD EAGLE TOWNSHIP – School board members met Thursday evening for their April Work Session.

A lengthy discussion took place, regarding adopting the proposed final budget on May 8.

The health insurance renewal, which was initially budgeted as a 15% increase, came back as only being 11.8% meaning a cost-savings for the district.

Adding the reduction of the health care benefits which amounted to a savings of $307,500, was added to the original budget. The district is currently looking at a $1.8 million dollar reduction from the original budget.

Two recommendations from administration, Business Manager Joni MacIntyre said, is either a 1.78% tax partial tax increase for 2025-26 that will increase taxes for the median assessed home value at around $26 per year and generating an additional $490,159 for the district, or a 3.55% partial tax increase, bringing in an additional $980,000 and an estimated increase in tax for the median assessed home value to $50 per year.

“These help maintain level tax increases,” Joni said.

“From 2018 – 2023, for four years the district did not hold an increase in taxes,” Joni said. “If we might have taxed at a minimal rate, and maintained a level tax increase year-over-year, our deficit might be less than what it is today.”

The decision on a tax increase for the 2025-26 school year will be made at next week’s Voting Session.

An executive session was held from 6:00 p.m. to 6:223 p.m. for personnel and legal matters.

Butch Knauff was absent from Thursday’s Work Session.