SHARPSVILLE

Sharpsville school directors voted 6- 3 Monday to use an extra $186,488 from the state to pay down debt and pay for a computer tutoring program.

But residents and three board members pushed to eliminate the 1-mill tax increase imposed last month when the 2002-03 budget was reopened to account for the additional money.

Last month the board approved a $10.9 million spending plan. With the extra state money, the budget now comes in just under $11.1 million.

The state deadline for final school budgets to be passed is June 30. In July the state increased funding for all Pennsylvania school districts, and directors had to reopen their respective budgets to account for the windfall. School boards can only use the money for three purposes: to restore education programs that were reduced or eliminated, to abate real estate taxes either by imposing new millage or by issuing a tax rebate or credit or to apply to debt service.

"I think the most important thing is giving the taxpayers a break," said resident Jim Gibbons, a sentiment echoed by Gerry Hanley.

"That would be a real good way of showing the taxpayers what the board can do," Hanley said, adding he would like to see the balance go towards debt service. "I hope you consider the 1 mill. It would show the taxpayers you really care, it would make for good public relations and it would make the board look good."

Director Donna Murray said she agreed with Hanley and said she was upset the finance committee, of which she is a member, was not consulted about the state money. The finance committee did not meet prior to Monday's meeting.

"Why have a committee? I'm really upset we were not called and at least consulted before you called this meeting," she said.

Board President Terry Karsonovich said since the board has been tackling the budget as a committee-of-the-whole, that format continued for discussing the state money.

Directors Chris Ruffo and Charles "Chaz" Rice -- who, along with Mrs. Murray, voted against the amended budget -- also supported eliminating the tax increase and putting the balance towards debt service.

One mill brings in about $60,000 for the district, which would have left about $120,000 to reduce debt.

"I say we give it back to the taxpayers this year," Ruffo said. "I strongly feel we should give $60,000 back to the taxpayers this year.

Karsonovich said he believed the millage increase was more than fair and that he would like to see the money go towards reducing debt. Director Susan Pokorney pointed out that paying down the debt would save the taxpayers money in the long run.

In addition to putting the money towards three outstanding bond issues, the board will use $8,000 to implement a computer tutoring program for middle school math. The program, which will be new for next year, was cut from the original budget.

"We have to look at what is beneficial to the students of Sharpsville," said Mrs. Pokorney, who introduced the amendment to allocate money for the program.