USC School Board proposes budget with tax increase
The Upper St. Clair School Board unanimously approved the district’s $79.684 million proposed general fund budget for the 2017-18 school year that includes a tax increase.
The proposed final budget calls for a millage rate of 25.156, which would be a 0.8172-mill increase, meaning homeowners would pay an additional $81.72 per year for every $100,000 of assessed property.
The board voted 8-0 on the draft budget during its May 15 regular meeting. Buffy Hasco was absent.
Revenue for next school year is projected to increase $3.28 million, or 4.29 percent, with most of the gains coming from property taxes. Meanwhile, expenditures are budgeted to increase $3.48 million with major changes being an increase in the retirement contribution rate from 30.03 percent to 32.57, and a $1.35 million increase in salaries. Health care premiums are increasing 1.9 percent.
The $26,286 deficit between budgeted revenues and expenditures is being covered by the district’s fund balance.
Another budget presentation will take place at the board’s June 5 meeting. A vote to adopt the district’s final budget is scheduled for June 20 at 8 a.m.
The proposed 2017-18 general fund budget presentations can be viewed at on the district’s website at www.uscsd.k12.pa.us.
In other business, the board recognized Carly DeCock for selection to the All-Eastern Honors Treble Choir, Claire Zalla for being named a National Merit $2,500 Scholarship Recipient, Boyce Middle School teacher Matt Henderson for selection as a NSBA 20 to Watch Educator, and high school teacher Fred Peskorski for selection as an honorable mention for the 2017 Carnegie Science Awards.