USC School Board Working on Budget without Property Tax Increase

The Upper St. Clair School Board does not expect to raise property taxes this year, but the countywide reassessment might throw a wrench into that plan for homeowners.

The school board unveiled its $66.3 million preliminary budget on Monday night with no plans for a tax increase.

However, the actually property tax millage rate, which must be lowered so the district doesn’t net a revenue windfall, probably won’t be determined until May when the county sends out more accurate assessment figures. The township cut its millage rate by about 16 percent earlier this year, but the figures are expected to be different with more high-value commercial appeals still awaiting a decision.

The 2013-14 budget expects a $160,000 boost in basic education funding from the state. The district also expects to save $750,000 in personnel salary with the expected retirement of 15 teachers. However, that will also add about $200,000 in retiree health care costs.

The district is also budgeting for a 7 percent increase in health care costs, which is about $400,000.

The school board is expected to prepare the preliminary budget proposal on April 22 before voting on the final draft on May 28. School districts are required to pass their budgets before June 30.

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