The cloud of uncertainty regarding assessment appeals, which was hovering over 2013-14 budget preparations, has lifted in a manner favorable to the Parkland School District.

Business Manager John Vignone reported, at the board's May 21 meeting, $231,366 will be added back into the district's total assessed valuation, resulting in an increase in real estate revenue.

Because the action increases the value of a mill, the budget can be balanced at a lower rate of taxation.

The proposed mill rate has now been lowered from 13.94 to 13.90, the latest step in the adjustment process that began with a 14.36 mill rate in the preliminary budget in February.

Vignone said Solicitor Steven Miller represented the district in the assessment appeals in Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas.

Properties under consideration for the appeals are owned by Cedar Fair, Air Products, Country Meadows and Sumitomo Bank Leasing and Finance Co.

Vignone anticipates additional victories in pending reassessment appeals.

He also foresees a trend in new construction, which will help district revenue.

"The rate you're seeing now by June will be going down even further," Vignone said. "New construction will pay dividends in the next 30 days. We're seeing some optimistic trends."

District Superintendent Richard Sniscak commented on the forthcoming finalization of the budget.

"The time period between now and adoption of a final budget on June 25 will be important as our administrative team and school board continue to analyze every revenue and expenditure item with the hope of bringing the tax increase even lower than the 2.43 percent proposed tonight," Sniscak said.

Board members voted 8-0 to approve the $143,684,085 budget at the 13.90 mill rate with the expectation of further adjustments prior to final adoption.

Board member Jeff Reyburn was absent from the meeting.