When: Manheim Central school board meeting, June 21.
What happened: In a split vote the board adopted a final $59.89 million 2021-22 budget with a 3% tax increase, the highest amount allowed by the state without seeking an exception. Board members Robert Iosue, Patrick McGeehan and Stacie Ritter cast the dissenting votes.
Impact: The budgetâs $235,447 deficit will be covered by reserve funds. The 3% tax hike will raise the tax levy to 15.10 mills. It will boost taxes $86 per year â from from $2,871 to $2,957 â for the owner of a home assessed at the districtâs median value of $195,800.
Dissenting votes: Iosue, McGeehan and Ritter expressed concern with the amount of tax increase because some residents are still facing negative economic impacts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Iosue said he would prefer a 1.5% increase. However, with a 1.5% tax increase, there would be a budget shortfall of $745,407, which would be covered by the districtâs reserves.