About the tax increase
How the property tax bill will change for a home in the New Kensington-Arnold School District at the median assessed value of $14,600:
Current tax rate: 97.64 mills
Current tax bill: $1,426
New tax rate: 99.14 mills
New tax bill: $1,447
Increase: $21
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Property owners in the New Kensington-Arnold School District will see a 1.5% property tax increase in their school tax bill.
The school board Tuesday approved the district’s $47.6 million budget for the 2024-25 school year that includes the tax hike.
The district’s property tax rate will increase from 97.64 mills to 99.14 mills.
For a home at the district’s $14,600 median assessed value, that will add $21 to the school property tax bill, for a total of $1,447.
Board member Rob Fusia voted in favor of the budget but was the only member to vote against the new tax rate. He said residents in New Kensington and Arnold are on fixed incomes.
“I think it’s time for everybody to start tightening their belts,” he said.
The district’s state-imposed inflation limit would have allowed an increase of up to 8% for the 2024-25 school year.
With revenues forecast at just over $47.6 million, the budget carries a $46,261 surplus, which will go into the district’s fund balance.
Board member Nicholas DiCarolis, the finance committee chair, said the district has seen a $3.5 million increase in its property value, mainly coming from new construction.
Under the budget, he said, the district will be able to make positive changes including creating an autistic classroom, cycling out older student computer devices, and having guidance counselors and success coaches for students.
The board approved an agreement with Apple to buy 800 iPads for students. The cost of a little more than $375,000 will be paid annually over three years beginning July 15.
The board also approved earmarking about $2.1 million of the district’s fund balance reserves.
Most, about $1.6 million, is designated for curriculum, instruction, assessment and resource supplies. The balance consists of $300,000 to replace staff laptop computers, $136,000 to replace a student van, $56,000 to replace a maintenance truck and $24,800 for a baggage scanner.
Brian C. Rittmeyer is a TribLive reporter covering news in New Kensington, Arnold and Plum. A Pittsburgh native and graduate of Penn State University's Schreyer Honors College, Brian has been with the Trib since December 2000. He can be reached at brittmeyer@triblive.com.
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Categories: Local | Top Stories | Valley News DispatchAbout the tax increase
How the property tax bill will change for a home in the New Kensington-Arnold School District at the median assessed value of $14,600:
Current tax rate: 97.64 mills
Current tax bill: $1,426
New tax rate: 99.14 mills
New tax bill: $1,447
Increase: $21
TribLIVE's Daily and Weekly email newsletters deliver the news you want and information you need, right to your inbox.
