ORWIGSBURG - A tax increase is still possible in the Blue Mountain School District but program cuts are not likely.
The budget was discussed Thursday at a committee of the whole meeting in the district administration building.
John Granito, a member of the finance committee, presented the proposed 2014-15 budget as discussed by the finance committee to the members of the school board.
"This is a budget I think we can pass. That does not necessarily mean that I am going to vote for it," he said. Granito said previously he is not in favor of a tax hike.
The budget will be on the agenda for the next school board meeting at 7:15 p.m. June 19.
The current proposed budget has revenues of $38,002,187 and expenses of $38,083,775. The $81,588 deficit would be taken from the general fund.
A tax increase of 0.9794 mills is proposed in the budget. That would equate to an extra $51.49 for the average house assessed at $52,600.
Real estate taxes are levied against half a property's assessed value. Each mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of half the assessed value.
The board approved the preliminary budget with a tax increase in January.
Currently, the millage is 36.275. The increase would bring it to 37.2544 mills. Two special exceptions - retirement contributions and special education expenditures - the board could decide to use are not in the budget presented by Granito. Taxes could increase an additional 1.1613 mills if opted for by the district, costing the taxpayers and extra $61.02
"I think we have a good budget here," Superintendent Robert Urzillo said.
Board member David Lafko brought up the suggestion of cutting programs if needed.
"You don't have time to do program cuts," district Business Administrator Michelle Diekow said.
Besides paperwork being submitted to the state Department of Education, the district would have to do additional research to implement that, she said.
"The question becomes whether or not for next week if we can pass this budget," Granito said.
The district must have a budget passed by June 30.
Also included in the budget is a 1 percent increase in salaries for teaching staff, Granito said, amounting to $115,000.
The district is currently in negotiations with the teachers. The current contract expires June 30.