Parkland School board directors granted unanimous final approval to the $157.68 million, 2015-16 budget at their June 23 meeting.

District Superintendent Richard Sniscak commented on the millage rate for the new term.

"We are once again proud to showcase Parkland's millage rate remains the lowest in Lehigh County at 14.35," Sniscak said.

Business Manager John Vignone said the district's financial situation benefits from a solid industrial commercial tax base.

"The more you have from industrial commercial, the less you have to burden your residential taxpayers," Vignone said.

In Parkland, 60 percent of tax revenues come from industrial commercial sources; 40 percent are from residential.

Vignone noted growth in business construction, especially in Upper Macungie, contributes increased revenues to the budget.

He also said residential growth is also picking up.

"More homes are being built and more homes are being sold," Vignone said. "When a house goes on the market, it sells pretty quick," said Vignone.

He expressed apprehension about the recent proposals to eliminate the property tax.

State officials have talked about increasing the sales tax to provide funds for schools in place of the property tax.

"My concern is what will happen if revenue shifts from Parkland to Harrisburg," Vignone said. "We lose control as a school district. Once it goes away, is it all going to be sent back?

"These potential losses worry me. We may end up getting less than we always did."

The new budget includes a 1.85-percent tax increase, 0.26 mills higher than the previous term.

Expenditures increased $5.5 million, or 3.61 percent above last year's budget.

To help offset the tax increase, the district is applying $5.5 million from the fund balance, which amounts to a 0.73 mill reduction in the tax increase needed to balance the budget.

Sniscak reported the district had $31.5 million in its fund balance a year ago, although $5.5 million was allocated for the 2014-15 budget.

"Auditors will determine how much of that was used when they come in and give a report in fall," Sniscak explained.

Vignone pointed out 46.50 percent of the budget, $73.3 million, goes for salaries. This is a 3.54-percent increase.

Employee benefits are listed at $43.8 million, a 9.65-percent increase.

The owner of a $222,050 property, the median assessed value of a home in Parkland, will pay $3,186.42 taxes toward the 2015-16 budget.

Sniscak offered remarks after the budget was approved.

"Challenges continue to exist," Sniscak said. "We strive to provide an exceptional school system that educates for success and inspires excellence."

Board President Roberta Marcus reported satisfaction with the financial document.

"I believe this budget will put forth the programs we need for the next academic year," Marcus said.

Vignone noted even before the 2015-16 budget was given final adoption, staff were working ahead on the spending proposal for 2016-17.

"It's a never ending process," Vignone said. "We've already started on the next one."