Athens Area School District adopts tentative budget with 0.5‑mill tax increase after $1.875M shortfall revealed

At a virtual meeting, the Athens Area School District board voted to adopt a tentative 2020–21 budget that includes a 0.5‑mill property tax increase after hearing that the district faces a projected $1,875,000 deficit tied largely to revenue losses from the COVID‑19 pandemic.

Brendan, the district's new business manager, presented the proposed final budget showing total revenues of about $38.7 million and a projected $1,875,000 shortfall. "Currently looking at a deficit of $1,875,000," he told the board and summarized revenue assumptions including a 91% collection rate, a projected 10% drop in earned income tax revenue and level state and federal funding with two expected reductions in state subsidies. He also noted the district expects $495,000 in CARES stimulus money but said state allocation rules make that amount uncertain.

The presentation outlined expense projections, including a roughly $592,000 increase in salaries and benefits associated with existing contracts, a reduction in a track/turf reserve from $80,000 to…