Tax Increase Coming As Tredyffrin/Easttown School District Approves Budget

BERWYN, PA – The Tredyffrin/Easttown School District has approved its 2017-2018 budget and that means residents will see a higher tax bill. The school board approved the budget at it's June 12 meeting.

The budget comes to the tune of $141,671,732 and will give residents a 3.2 percent tax increase. The district said the average assessed home in the district will see an added $178 on their tax bill.

Taxes are increasing as the district filed two referendum exceptions to the Act 1 Index of 2.5 percent for the state-mandated increase in employer retirement contributions and escalating special education costs. The Pennsylvania Department of Education approved both exceptions, which allowed for an increase of .906 percent over the Act 1 index, according to the district.

Initially, the increase was approved at 3.4 percent in April when the board OKed the proposed budget. But through budget discussions the hike was brought down to 3.22 percent, which is saving homeowners an additional $12 on tax bills based on the average home assessment.

"Homeowners eligible for the homestead/farmstead exclusion under Act 1 will receive a reduction of $184 on their 2017 property tax bills from state gaming fund revenue," the district said.

The budget amount is comprised of $137.4 in anticipated operational spending and $4.3 for contingencies, according to the district. The 2017-2018 anticipated spending of $137.4 reflects an increase of about 6 percent over last year’s projected spending of $129 million.

In the 2017-2018 school year, the T/E School District will serve over 6,700 students.

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