The relationship between homeowners and local school districts is subject to many variables. The better the schools, the more desirable real estate can become. The wealthier the neighborhoods, the more revenue the district can receive. But the gray area in between, where most middle class homeowners live, is a constant balance of the financial stability of both parties.

For homeowners living in BASD territory, there are numerous important decisions being made recently by the school board of directors. On April 30, the board discussed the possibility of a small increase in property taxes, figured as a potential increase of 2.495 percent. This would be roughly $87 for residents in Northampton County, and $47 for those in Lehigh County.

At the May 7 curriculum committee meeting, the board reviewed a memo confirming their policy on disputing property tax assessments. Deemed a “fair policy” by board President Michael Faccinetto, the BASD only initiates disputes where the potential reassessment value could earn the district an increase in revenue of $10,000 or greater. The district views $10,000 as the threshold value that makes the legal battle worth the potential gain.

This means that the district can and may decide to increase property taxes on every resident, and also target specific properties that may not be paying their fair share of the tax burden. But homeowners should become aware of what they can do within their power. The public can have an opportunity to speak at the next budget meeting on May 14. The meeting will be held at the BASD Education Center on Sycamore Street at 6 p.m. and will afford the community a chance to speak and have input on budget concerns, including tax increases. If the district does decide to continue with the increase, it will occur at this meeting.

After this meeting, there is a full BASD school board meeting May 21 at East Hills MS, which will afford the community another opportunity to speak. However, the board will not likely be discussing the budget at this meeting. The final budget will be passed at the June 18 special board meeting at the Education Center, which will be the final opportunity for public comment on the topic.

While the proposed tax increases are small, the opportunity to become informed and to speak is available for those who are interested. There is a chance that the increase may be reduced or removed at either meeting, but once it is decided it will be locked in district wide.

Homeowners can also review the tax assessments of their properties at the Lehigh and Northampton county tax assessment websites or by calling or visiting their local assessment office. Procedures are available to dispute property tax assessments where practical, and the offices can assist in assuring that residents are receiving a discount on their property taxes through the Homestead Exemption Act.