By SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

When the Parkland School Board convened for the annual budget seminar on April 29, members reviewed the administration’s proposal for a zero tax increase in the 2022-23 budget.

Business Manager Leslie Frisbie reports the board expressed interest in looking at options other than the no tax increase after discussing needs of the district including capital projects, debt service requirements, future Act 1 limitations, and enrollment growth.

“There was discussion around all of those pieces,” Frisbie said. “The board is focused on long term planning and the needs of the district.”

She added the administration developed a different proposal to bring forward at May committee meetings.

“We decided to incrementally raise taxes to start building to create sustainable revenues for the future,” Frisbie explained.

The outcome was a proposal for a 1.2 percent tax increase which was brought forth at the May 17 school board meeting.

Under the new plan, the district would appropriate $5.1 million from the fund balance rather than the $7.1 million in the earlier budget scenario.

Board President David Hein commented on the matter.

“No one wants to increase taxes,” he stated.

“A small increase now is fiscally responsible and will avoid larger increases down the road.”

At the proposed tax rate of 15.90 mills, a 0.19 mill increase over last term, a property owner with the average assessed residential value of $245,193 would pay an additional $46.22 in taxes in 2022-23.

Frisbie noted a projected increase in the property tax relief Homestead program would lower the amount by $28.58, resulting in a net impact of $17.64 for the taxpayer.

Board Vice President Carol Facchiano offered comments on the tax rate.

“Zero increase wasn’t realistic to me,” Facchiano said.

She stated the fund balance should be used for unexpected things that come along, as well as for future needs.

Facchiano wanted to keep in mind the school boards that will be serving many years from now.

A fund balance should be remaining for their use, Facchiano noted.

When the vote was taken for the proposed 1.2-percent tax increase, Hein, Facchiano, Robert Cohen, Lisa Roth, Annette Wilcox, and Marisa Ziegler voted in favor.

Jarrett Coleman voted no, stating he preferred the zero percent increase presented at the budget seminar. Jay Rohatgi also voted no.

He offered an explanation for his vote.

“Due to current inflationary pressure even a modest property tax increase can be a huge challenge for some Parkland families, especially to seniors on fixed income. That is why I am voting no,” Rohatgi said.

Patrick Foose was absent due to his responsibility as judge of elections.

As of May 17, the proposed budget stood at $216,244,747.

Changes could still occur before the document is presented for final approval on June 21.

Superintendent Dr. Mark Madson offered closing remarks.

He said it was a very challenging budget year, but with the proposed rate, the district will be in good shape for three to five years ahead.