The numbers didn’t change, but the dollars stretched a bit further.
The Board of Education adopted a budget last night that calls for a 1.5 percent increase in the tax levy, which means that the taxes on a home with a market value of $250,000 will go up by about $100.
Since the levy does not exceed the cap (which is also 1.5 percent), property owners can expect a refund from the state that will equal the amount of their increase.
The budget total ($67,770,787) didn’t change from last week, but the board was able to add a few expenditures. Harvey Sotland, the assistant superintendent for business, reported a $28,117 reduction in the allowance for special needs students.
After considerable discussion, the board agreed to use that money to purchase microphones, increase its allowance for tax certiorari cases, and fully fund the varsity lacrosse teams.
When lacrosse became a varsity sport in the spring of 2013, the boosters agreed to pick up the tab until the school district was able to include the sport in its budget. Last year, the district picked up part of the expense. On April 20, the board decided to pay for the balance ($13,117).
Until last night, lacrosse was the only varsity sport that was partially self-funded.
