North Hills School District’s proposed final budget contains a 2.2% tax increase, but board members and administrators say that the final budget may be lower when it comes up for a vote in June.
The school board approved the proposed final budget on May 2 by a 5-4 vote.
Board members Timothy Burnett, Sandra Kozera, Allison Mathis, Annette Giovengo Nolish and Kathy Reid voted for the budget. Tom Kelly, Lou Nudi, Dee Spade and President Ed Wielgus — all of whom are up for re-election — voted no.
“This year is different, and it’s political. Everybody that is running for office voted 'no.’ All of us who are not running voted 'yes,’” Mrs. Reid said.
The $82.7 million spending plan raises millage by 0.4 mills to 18.65 mills, which would result in an annual increase of about $54 for the average homeowner, said David Hall, director of finance and operations.
The median home value in North Hills is $135,000.
Mr. Wielgus pointed out that wages have gone up about 1% per year for the past 10 years, and medical expenses have stayed even over that time period.
What has changed, he said, is the cost of the state’s retirement system, which has gone up 700% in 10 years. He said school districts have been unsuccessful in persuading the state Legislature to deal with the problem.
“This problem is not going away. It is getting worse as we speak,” he said. “That is beyond outrageous.”
Mrs. Nolish, chair of the finance committee, said the budget adds the four teachers needed for the sixth grade to move to the middle school next year, a move necessitated by enrollment growth.
“This is a district that people want to move into,” she said.
Even if the 0.4-mill tax increase stands, North Hills still will have one of the lowest tax rates in Allegheny County, she added.
North Hills comprises Ross and West View and has about 4,500 students.
Sandy Trozzo, freelance writer: suburbanliving@post-gazette.com
First Published: May 7, 2019, 7:40 p.m.