LMSD Seeks Another Tax Increase After Judge Tosses Appeal

The Lower Merion School District, despite being embroiled in legal woes due to a lawsuit related to tax increases, is seeking to increase taxes for the 2017-2018 school year. The district argues the student population continues to grow, placing financial burdens on the district as it strives to maintain its eclectic student opportunities.

The district held a board meeting where members discussed the proposed 2017-2018 budget that stands at $266 million.

In that budget, the district is looking to raise taxes by 2.99 percent, which is more than the allowed 2.4 percent as per Act 1, or the Taxpayer Relief Act of 2006.

In order to enact the 2.99 percent increase, the district must apply for exceptions to Act 1 with the state.

The proposal comes shortly after a commonwealth court threw out the district's appeal on an injunction put in place by Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas Judge Joseph A. Smyth in 2016.

The injunction said the district could not enact a 4.4 tax increase for the 2016-2017 school year and was put in place after a lawsuit filed by district residents hit the district.

The suit alleges the district has projected deficits for years, leading them to increase taxes, then end up with surpluses.

Philly.com reports taxes levied by the district have increased by more than 53 percent since 2006.

The district will meet on Monday, June 12, at 8 p.m. for final budget adoption.

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