During a May 12 special board meeting the Bethlehem Area School District board approved the proposed final budget for the 2014-15 school year with an almost 5 percent tax increase.

While discussing the budget prior to voting; several members of the board made their opposition to the spending plan known. However, the most outspoken was Director Basilio Bonilla Jr., who described the impact the tax increase would have on the elderly residents of the district.

He recalled conversations he had with several senior citizens, including one woman who broke down crying, saying the tax increase meant she would have to move in with her daughter.

"We have an obligation to our seniors and our citizens. It has been made clear to this board that this is not the only increase coming. It is our job to stand up not only for our students, but our senior citizens," said Bonilla.

The proposed final budget of $242.5 million passed on a vote of 6-3, as directors Eugene McKeon, Rogelio Ortiz and Bonilla voting against it.

Previously, district officials have said that they are keeping a tight control on expenses and the majority of the budget cost drivers were out of the local officials' hands. These costs include items such as charter school tuition.

The budget includes furloughing 22 teaching positions, but will preserve the educational core of BASD's programs.

McKeon was opposed to the budget, saying the board did not pay enough attention to rising pension costs when they began restoring programs over the last several years and that is why he is opposed to the budget.

"I am going to be voting no on the proposed budget option. I just don't think it was wise a couple years ago to reinstate programs," said McKeon.

The final vote on the budget is scheduled for June 16.