Looks like they are guessing at increases already, don't they normally do this later on?

http://www.poconorecord.com/apps/pbc...7/NEWS/1070323

Pocono Mountain proposes 8 percent tax increase for 2010-11 school

By DAN BERETT
Pocono Record Writer
January 07, 2010
SWIFTWATER — Taxpayers in Pocono Mountain could be facing an 8 percent increase in property taxes for the 2010-11 school year, according to a proposed preliminary budget unveiled Wednesday.

The $198 million spending plan, which will go through several revisions before being formally adopted in June, represents a more than 4 percent hike in expenses over the previous year.

"There's no fluff in this budget whatsoever," said Henry Bockelman, the board's president. "It's a shame that we are where we are, but it's a sign of the times."

The increase that will be borne by local taxpayers is magnified by drop-offs in state and federal support compared to last year. The budget plan predicts a drop of more than $6 million from both federal and state governments. It's not known how much, if any, of that money eventually could be restored, district officials said.

The vast majority of the growth in costs comes from salary increases and jumps in benefits, especially to support pensions.

Pension contributions, which are set by the state, are projected to double in two years, and then triple the year after that.

"There is a pension crisis," Joseph Colozza, the district's business manager, said to the board during the session. "This is very, very scary."

The ground also has been set for possible layoffs, as enrollment continues to fall. Between October 2008 and 2009, the district lost more than 240 students in its buildings, according to its statistics.

On Wednesday, the board approved a measure that would allow for adjustments to staffing, including eliminating and reducing positions. It passed a similar measure last year before cutting about 20 teachers.

The spending plan also envisions cuts in field trips and supplies.

A group of students, members of high school color guard team, lobbied the board for help in paying for travel and fees to attend competitions. But several board members and the district's administration said, while they wanted to help, there simply was no money this year.

"What you saw here tonight we'll see here more and more," Colozza said. "There are limited financial resources, but there are programs and services you want to provide."


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