Marple Newtown presents final budget for May adoption; tax rate unchanged at 3.45%

The Marple Newtown School District presented changes to its proposed final budget Wednesday and told the board it will bring a balanced $115,700,000 final budget, annual tax levy and homestead/farmstead resolutions for formal adoption later this month.

The presentation by a finance staff member outlined revenue and expenditure changes since the district adopted a proposed final budget in April, including a drop in local revenue offset by an increase in state sources tied to a larger state property-tax relief allocation and a higher transportation subsidy. “In summary, we're adopting a balanced budget with $115,700,000 of expenses and revenue, and the tax increase stayed the same as what was presented in April at the 3.45%,” the presenter said.

Why it matters: the revision shifts some tax burden from local taxpayers to state funding and will change the net tax impact for qualifying homeowners. The presenter estimated the state property tax reduction increase would translate into roughly a $23 decrease on the tax bill for homeowners who qualify for the homestead/farmstead exemption.

Key details: district staff said local revenue decreased while state revenue increased because of the state’s property tax reduction program and updated transportation reimbursement figures. On the expenditure side, the district noted the need to budget for one additional teacher because of anticipated enrollment growth, higher projected charter-school tuition payments, and increased substitute-teacher costs. Those increases, officials said, were offset by attritional salary savings and some reclassification of expenses to conform with Pennsylvania Department of Education account codes.

Process and next steps: the board adopted the proposed final budget at its April meeting; staff said the final budget, annual tax levy and the homestead/farmstead resolution must be adopted at least 30 days after the proposed-final action and will be on the board’s agenda for final action later this month. The presentation included the district’s timeline for advertising and publication required under the school code and stated the district posted the proposed-final budget on its website and in the newspaper.

What the board did: at the committee meeting the district reviewed the items and invited questions; no formal adoption vote occurred at this session. Board members were invited to submit questions by email and to expect the formal votes at the May business meeting.

Context and constraints: staff said some budget changes reflect updated state figures and routine accounting reclassifications required by PDE. Officials cautioned that some numbers are projections (for example, charter tuition and substitute costs) and thus subject to adjustment before final adoption.

Ending note: staff reiterated that the district intends to bring a balanced final budget and required resolutions to the full board for a vote later this month.