When: Lampeter-Strasburg school board meeting, May 3, in person for members, Zoom for staff and YouTube for others.
What happened: The board approved, without discussion, its proposed final budget for 2021-22 with a 1.9% tax rate increase. The vote was unanimous with board member Scott Kimmel absent.
Background: At a finance committee meeting held April 26, the board reviewed the budget which projects revenues of $55.4 million and expenditures of $56.9 million. The $1.5 million deficit will be covered by the fund balance. The vote to approve the final budget takes place at the June 14 board meeting.
Tax: The increase follows no tax increase in 2020-21. The 1.9% falls below the state index of 3.5%. Millage increases to 17.25, up 0.32 mills. Homeowners of a $217,200 property, the median for the district, will pay about $70 more. In a separate action, the board approved engaging the Lancaster County Collection Bureau to collect tax payments.