TAX NEWS - 2010

Pennsylvania Tax: Laurel Highlands School Board approves tax increase

The Laurel Highlands School Board on Thursday voted to raise taxes by just over one-half mill, with the increase earmarked specifically for renovation of the high school.

The board voted 7-2 in favor of the $44.3 million budget, with school directors Beverly Beal and Ed George voting against the spending plan.

"I feel we have not gone deep enough on the cuts," George said. "I am for the renovation project, but not at the current level."

George said he would be in favor of putting the issue on the ballot, asking the voters if they approve a tax increase for the renovations.

"I voted no on the tax raise because the economy is bad and the taxpayers can't handle any more taxes. It's not that I don't believe we need renovation at the high school, but wait a couple of years and make more cuts," Beal said.

Board president Angelo Giachetti, who has been on the board more than 20 years, said he generally votes against tax increases, but this year he couldn't.

"We owe it to our children to make sure it's safe," Giachetti said of the need for the high school renovation.

The tax increase is expected to raise $507,000. The .53585 mill tax increase is the highest allowed by the district under state law. The new millage will be 13.93236 mills.

"That $507,000 is going to be put in a special fund just for the renovation of the high school. The school hasn't had a true renovation since it was built in 1972," said school director Tom Vernon.

Advertisement  "The increase is simply a wise move on our part. Like Tom said, this high school is in need of repairs and the cost will just go up," school director James Tobal said.

Lyn Andaloro, who heads the buildings and grounds committee, said to date there is no consensus on what should be included in the final design for the high school renovation.

The board also authorized the homestead/farmstead tax exclusion for the July 1 tax bills. Qualified property owners will see their assessed value reduced by $11,106, for a tax reduction of $154.73 per property owner.

"It is a reduction in their bill. There is no check that goes out," Hensh said.

In other matters, the board approved a dual enrollment program with the University of Pittsburgh for three classes that will be taught by Laurel Highlands teachers.

Students will be able to earn three college credits per class for courses in calculus, speech and physics. Dr. Gary Brain, district superintendent, said the credits are accepted at all colleges and universities in Pennsylvania and at some out-of-state schools as well.

It will cost the students about $100 per class to receive the college credits, Brain said, noting that the agreement with Pitt replaces a similar program that had been offered in the past by California University of Pennsylvania.