The Abington School District’s finance director told the board on Sept. 30 that through Aug. 31 the district had collected $92,881,216 in revenues and that real estate tax receipts totaled $86,136,303, with staff noting a timing pattern the district expects to correct in September.

Assistant business official Miss Denicola summarized the August report: “As of August 31, we have collected revenues totaling $92,881,216. This includes $86,136,303 in real estate taxes.” She told the board those real estate collections equated to 16.2% of the district’s budgeted real‑estate tax amount at that point in the fiscal year and contrasted that with the same point last year, when collections were 72.5% of budgeted real‑estate taxes. Denicola told the board she had reviewed early September collections and expected the September financial report would show real‑estate tax collections of at least 90%.

Denicola also explained that because of the state budget impasse the district had received only a partial state property tax reduction payment: $3,976,282, which is 50% of the budgeted $7,952,564. The remaining 50% historically arrives in October from the state fund supported by gaming revenue. District expenditures through Aug. 31 totaled $10,971,782 (about 5.4% of total budgeted expenditures), and personnel costs — salaries and benefits — account for roughly 70% of total expenditures, Denicola said.

Why it matters: the state budget impasse affects timing for a material state subsidy that reduces local property tax burdens. District staff said they are watching collections and expect September receipts to bring tax collections closer to historical levels; the board approved the financial report as presented.

Board members asked few questions during the presentation and the board approved the financial report and payment-of-bills addenda in roll-call votes during the meeting.