Published Tuesday, July 23, 2002
WEST MIDDLESEX
Herald Staff Writer
After discussing the best way to use additional state funding, West Middlesex Area School directors Monday settled on putting the money towards debt on the Oakview Elementary renovation project.
Using the $90,240 for the renovation will essentially save taxpayers about 1.5 mills during the 2003-04 school year, directors said. They anticipated raising taxes 1.3 mills to cover the cost of the bond payment on the Oakview project next year. Though taxes may increase next year, the hike will be less.
Business Manager Margaret Burgoon said the money will be put into a sinking fund to be earmarked for the bond repayment. A sinking fund is an account set up when a bond issue is taken out and the debt service is paid from that fund, she said.
Directors voted 8-1 to use the money to cover the bond payment. Director Walter Gelesky voted no.
There was some discussion about giving the money directly back to the taxpayers but directors decided against that option.
Patricia Sweesy, Shenango Township tax collector, asked the directors not to try to give taxpayers a rebate. She said some people have already paid their taxes because they called for their tax amount and the tax bills are prepared and ready to be mailed out. Mrs. Sweesy said it will be costly and difficult to reprint all of the bills and statements.
State officials announced in July that school districts state-wide would get more money than originally expected. School directors had to re-open their 2002-03 budgets and allot the money. By law, however, the money could only be used for debt reduction, tax refunds or to restore teachers or programs cut from the budget.
Directors also discussed the possibility of putting the money aside to give a pre-tax credit next year.
Mrs. Sweesy said there are also a large number of people who pay their taxes late or not at all that would be included in the rebate.
"If it were my money I would pay down my debt," Mrs. Burgoon said. "Is it fair to give a tax credit next year to someone who didn't even pay their taxes to the district this year?"
Director Dale Shrawder asked Superintendent Al Jones if he would recommend a tax credit.
"I wouldn't recommend that. No," Jones s said.
Director Arlene Repko asked how much the refund would mean to the average tax payer.
A mill of taxes costs the average tax payer about $18 so a 1.5 mill credit would save the average taxpayer $27. Mrs. Burgoon pointed out that not everyone would get that much money back.
You can e-mail Herald Staff Writer Kristen Garrett at kgarrett@sharon-herald.com