Scranton residents will see one tax bill stay the same for 2013.
The Scranton School Board on Thursday night unanimously approved a $120.4 million budget that calls for no tax increase.
With a city tax increase of about 25 percent and a 4 percent increase in Lackawanna County taxes, Scranton school directors said they wanted to give residents a break.
Directors had been looking at a tax increase of 1.35 percent, but with interest rates for tax anticipation notes coming in lower than expected, finding additional health care savings and using $1.18 million in capital improvement money to pay down debt, officials balanced the budget.
Board President Sean O'Shea cautioned that the board's work is not done, as pension rates and other costs will only get higher. The district must be conservative with spending, and new sources of revenue must be considered, he said. He also suggested bimonthly meetings of the budget and finance committee so directors could work on the budget all year, not just in December.
In other business:
- The district has received or is scheduled to receive $7,500 to help pay for reduced bus passes for Scranton High students, some who have walks of more than 4 miles to get to school. The district provides no transportation to high school students.
After several stories in The Times-Tribune and the district asking for support, $2,000 was donated by the Advocacy Alliance, $500 by Covenant Presbyterian Church and $5,000 is on the way from the Lackawanna County Workforce Investment Board, Superintendent William King said. The district hopes to offer County of Lackawanna Transit System passes for $5, instead of the $25 COLTS charges.
Director Bill Fox suggested the district hold a dress-down day to also raise money for the cause. A recent dress-down day for Hurricane Sandy victims raised $8,500.
- In the wake of the tragedy in Newtown, Conn., several speakers addressed the need for increased security in schools, including the everyday presence of school resource officers in the intermediate and high schools. Training, personal or vacation days can leave a school without its officer for the day, and Mr. King said he is working with Acting Scranton Police Chief Carl Graziano on ensuring an officer is present daily.
- Jim McGough, a grandparent of students at Isaac Tripp Elementary School, questioned why no changes have been made to the pick-up and drop-off procedures at the school. Parents, grandparents and other caregivers have complained the current setup is unsafe and onerous. Directors said they are waiting for the results of a traffic study before any major changes are made.
- Director Jason Shrive was appointed to the district's seat on the joint operating committee of the Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County. He replaces Director Nathan Barrett.
- Carol Thomas was appointed to confidential secretary in the personnel office, at a salary of $39,311, and Eric Fisher was appointed to clerk/LPN at the salary of $22,530.
Contact the writer: shofius@timesshamrock.com, @hofiushallTT on TwitterProperty tax increases for Scranton residents*
County
2012 2013
$623.54 650.97
City**
2012 2013
$425.32 $529.28
School district
2012 2013
$1,262.49
Total
2012 2013
$2,311.35
*Based on average residential assessed value of $11,337.
**Based on a 25 percent increase. The city has not yet set the tax millage rates.