Burrell School Board passes final budget with 3.5% real estate tax increase

The Burrell School Board on Tuesday unanimously approved its final budget of $ 32.7 million for 2021-22, which includes a 3.5% tax increase.

For a home valued at $ 22,900, the county’s average residential tax assessment, the homeowner would pay an additional $ 80 in property tax for the next school year, according to Business Manager Jennifer Callahan.

The budget was weighed down by a potentially substantial loss of more than $ 412,000 in real estate tax revenue, she said.

The owners of the county’s largest commercial properties have appealed their property valuations.

The borough and Upper Burrell are fighting a property tax filing from the Arconic Research Center. In Lower Burrell, the Hillcrest Shopping Center appeals to its property valuation.

The final budget sets spending at $ 32.7 million on revenue just under $ 32.5 million, leaving a deficit of $ 213,700, Callahan said.

The deficit was covered by other district funds.

On the positive side, the district has reduced its deficit by $ 181,000 since the board approved the preliminary budget in May, she said.

Callahan attributed the deficit reduction to a decrease in health insurance costs due to coverage options and increased employee contributions, a decrease in estimated transportation costs due to a new contract with school bus company WL Roenigk Inc., and a decrease in the cost of property insurance and employee back compensation.

In addition, revenue from the Federal Emergency Connectivity Fund program was added to the budget to pay for laptops and tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots, and other devices and services, she said.

Other additional sources of income include additional income tax.

Mary Ann Thomas is a contributor to Tribune Review. You can contact Mary at 724-226-4691, [email protected], or on Twitter.