FOREST CITY - Taxpayers in the Forest City Regional School District can expect a larger bill next year, after the school board approved a tax increase in the 2013-14 budget.
The increase, proposed last month, was approved unanimously at a meeting Monday.
Students from Lackawanna, Susquehanna and Wayne counties attend the district and the tax rates in each county differ. In Lackawanna, taxes would increase to 86.83 mills, an increase of $18.19 for the average household. Residents of Wayne County will see an average increase of $15.54 and a tax rate of 15.61 mills. In Susquehanna, the tax rate will rise to 37.68 mills, increasing the average tax bill by $27.52. A mill is a $1 tax on every $1,000 of assessed property value.
The $12.61 million budget is slightly higher than the $12.44 million proposed in May, but board President Mary Emmett explained that the tax agency projected a higher earned income tax rate than the district had planned. The district also added a few expenses, including transportation to the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf. Both increases offset, Ms. Emmett said.
She attributed the tax increase to rising education costs, particularly contributions to the pension fund, salary and health care.
"The cost of everything has gone up," she said. "Contractually, we have to provide increases in salary and provide health care."
In other business, the board approved three new hires. Sara Hornbeck was approved as an elementary teacher at a $44,283 yearly salary. Michael Zack was approved as a secondary business teacher at a $44,283 yearly salary. Kelly Nebzydoski also was approved as an elementary teacher at a $44,590 yearly salary. All three votes were unanimous, though board members Henry Nebzydoski and Jeff Zukosky abstained. Mr. Zukosky explained Ms. Nebzydoski is his sister-in-law and Mr. Nebzydoski said though not directly related, he didn't want to give the appearance of impropriety.
Board member William Heller also was reappointed as board treasurer, a position without compensation.
Contact the writer: rbrown@timesshamrock.com, @rbrownTT on Twitter