Fixed costs also contribute to 8 percent increase in Millstone Township.
By: Frank C. D’Amico
MILLSTONE Rising tuition costs have contributed to an 8 percent increase in the proposed school tax rate, according to preliminary budget figures for 2001-02.
On Monday, the Board of Education introduced a preliminary budget of $18.5 million, which would result in a school tax rate of $1.88 per $100 of assessed property value if approved by voters April 17. The current rate is $1.74 per $100.
If the budget is approved, the owner of a house assessed at the township average of $242,000 would pay $4,549.60 in school taxes an increase of $338.80 over the current school year.
For the 2001-02 school year, Millstone will pay Allentown High School $10,738 per pupil in tuition costs. The rate is an increase of $638 per pupil, or 6.3 percent, according to officials.
Millstone will be sending 437 students to AHS in September, an increase of 30 students from the current year. The tuition hike plus additional students will increase the budget by some $890,000 over the current school year.
Aside from tuition, board Business Administrator Brian Boyle said several other "fixed costs" factored into the budget’s approximate $2.1 million increase.
"The bulk of the increase can be attributed to salaries, benefits and energy costs as well as tuition," he said.
Mr. Boyle said the board decided to use approximately $430,000 in surplus funds in order to bring the tax rate down to $1.88 per $100. Of the 14-cent increase, 12 cents will be for the general fund and 2 cents will go for debt service aid.
Mr. Boyle said the preliminary 2001-02 budget differs from the current spending plan in two areas: more staff development and student enrichment programs.
A public hearing on the budget is expected at the March 26 regular meeting, which will be held 7:30 p.m. in the Millstone Middle School media center.