By Matthew Sockol
Staff Writer
MILLSTONE – The Millstone Township K-8 School District Board of Education has adopted a preliminary budget that will fund the operation of the district’s three schools during the 2017-18 school year.
Following a discussion among district administrators and board members at a March 13 meeting, a $38.5 million budget was introduced. The budget will cover the school year from July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018.
The 2017-18 budget, which could be amended prior to its final adoption, will be supported by a tax levy of $31.6 million to be paid by Millstone’s residential and commercial property owners. Over revenues will include $4.99 million in state aid and $533,187 from the district’s surplus funds (savings), according to information provided by the district.
The school district’s 2016-17 budget totaled $37.5 million and was supported by a tax levy of $30.9 million. The average home was assessed at $532,065, the school tax rate was $1.67 per $100 of assessed valuation and the owner of that home paid about $8,900 in school taxes.
For 2017-18, the average home is assessed at $534,200 and the school tax rate will increase to $1.70 per $100 of assessed valuation. The owner of that home will pay about $9,100 in school taxes, according to information provided by district administrators.
Although the tax levy increase in the introduced budget is more than 2 percent higher than the current school year, it is compliant with state statute because the budget includes a $147,164 increase in health benefits and that expense is excluded from the 2 percent tax cap, according to district administrators.
School taxes are one component of a property owner’s tax bill, which also includes Monmouth County taxes, Millstone municipal taxes, a fire district tax and other assessments. Individuals pay more or less in taxes depending on the assessed value of their home and/or property.
“The board has adopted a tentative budget that will now be further assessed to identify possible savings in order to reduce the tax burden,” Superintendent of Schools Scott Feder said.
“Over the next four to six weeks, we will analyze all aspects of the school district to assess impact on potential reductions. This board has continuously adopted budgets that have balanced improving our schools with fiscal accountability. I have no doubt the final budget to be adopted in April will be another fine example of creating this balance.
“Schools are centers of a community and ensuring high quality education is of the highest value. I reiterate that I have no doubt that the final budget will ensure that this high quality is sustained and supported,” Feder said.
Board President Sal Casale, Vice President Melissa Riviello and board members Amy Jacobson, David DePinho, John Sico, Kevin McGovern and Cynthia Bailey voted in favor of introducing the budget.
Board member Billy Hanson voted no on the budget’s introduction.
“The current tentative budget and spending options presented to the board could have offered more flexibility via specific spending choices to afford the board the opportunity to exercise greater fiscal responsibility,” Hanson said after the meeting.
“I am confident we will once again pass a responsible budget that does not impact the quality education our students enjoy in Millstone. We are just not there yet,” he said.
A public hearing on the budget has been scheduled for April 24 at the Millstone Township Middle School, Dawson Court. The board may adopt the spending plan that night.
The district includes the Millstone Township Primary School, the Millstone Township Elementary School and the Millstone Township Middle School. Officials have said there are just under 1,100 K-8 pupils enrolled in the district during the 2016-17 school year.
