East Penn School Board Approves 1.9 Percent Tax Hike

In a lengthy meeting of the last night that included an intermission for review of parliamentary procedure and Robert’s Rules of Order, a proposed final budget for 2012-2013 in the end was approved by a 5-4 vote.

The budget that passed was the third version of the 2012-2013 budget voted on last night in the 3 1/2 hour meeting. Much of the conversation centered on a budget presentation made by School Director Lynn Donches that offered options ranging from a zero percent tax increase to a substantial tax cut.

Here’s what East Penn residents need to know about the budget that was ultimately approved:

• The approved budget calls for just over $125 million in spending.
• The budget includes a 1.89 percent tax hike.
• The spending plan approved last night would increase the tax rate to 47.02 mills from 46.15 mills. A mill is a $1 tax on every $1,000 of a property’s assessed value.
• In East Penn, the median household assessment is $66,800. For that homeowner, the tax increase approved last night translates into $58.12 per year or 16 cents per day.
• East Penn will vote on the final budget for 2012-2013 on June 25. The state of Pennsylvania mandates that final school budgets be adopted by June 30.

School Directors Lynn Donches, Julian Stolz, Michael Policano and Rebecca Heid voted against the budget. Superintendent of Schools Thomas L. Seidenberger was not present at last night's meeting.

Check back for additional Patch coverage of the budget discussion at the May 14 East Penn School Board meeting.