Tunkhannock Area School Board votes zero tax increase, at least for now
The Tunkhannock Area School District’s preliminary budget for the 2024-25 school year doesn’t include a tax increase.
With John Burke and Lori Bennett absent, the board voted 7-0 to hold the line on taxes.
In the public comment period of the meeting, former board member Bill Weidner asked to comment on the budget before it was voted on.
“I would push for a zero increase,” Weidner said. “Wyoming County is one of the counties with the largest percentage of elderly and low incomes, and it’s getting tougher every day. ... We’ve got to curb expenses.”
Diane Turrell of Tunkhannock said she, too, would like to keep the tax increase down to zero.
“It’s getting harder and harder, and the student population is not growing, so I’d like you to keep any tax increases to zero,” she said.
Superintendent Paul Dougherty reminded those in attendance that this is a preliminary budget. He shared an overview, using a PowerPoint presentation.
He said it was very difficult to budget in April, with so many unknowns.
“The school year is not over, we’re not through with staffing to know our exact needs, we’re still not sure about coming enrollment,” he said.
Dougherty said the preliminary budget, while mandated by the state, “doesn’t mean all that much.” The budget that will impact the community will be approved in June. He noted that the district projects a budget deficit of $1.46 million.
He told the board that all things considered, he would recommend a 1-mill increase, which would bring the projected deficit down by roughly $287,000. A mill is a $1 tax on $1,000 of assessed property value.
“Whatever the board decides, I will make it work,” Dougherty said.
The Tunkhannock Area School Board next meets Thursday at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium. The meeting scheduled for May 16 has been moved to May 23.
