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Southmoreland board adopts final budget with 1.009‑mill increase; homestead credits set
Summary
The board voted 7–2 to adopt the final budget (Option 1) for 2024–25, which includes a 1.009‑mill increase for Westmoreland County (real estate tax rate 95.71) and a projected deficit of $84,252.03 to be covered from undesignated fund balance; homestead/farmstead credits were set at about $345 per qualifying property.
The Southmoreland School District Board on June 24 adopted a final budget resolution choosing Option 1, which includes a 1.009‑mill net increase for Westmoreland County tax rates (bringing the rate to 95.71) and a projected deficit of $84,252.03 that the board intends to cover from the district's undesignated fund balance. The vote was 7–2 on roll call.
Business manager Pam presented starting expenditures and changes cited in BoardDocs: beginning expenditures were listed as $35,561,194.22; subsequent salary and benefit adjustments and the addition of one maintenance employee increased the total to approximately $35,643,663.03. Option 1 includes a 1.009 mill increase; Option 2 was described as 'almost neutral' (a 0.009 mill increase) with a larger projected deficit ($216,547.03).
Board members asked about the source of funds to cover Option 1's deficit; the business manager said the district has more than $2 million in undesignated fund balance and that the shortfall would be drawn from that balance. She also noted an increase in Homestead/Farmstead Relief funds this year and said qualifying property owners would receive a credit at tax time.
Following the budget vote, the board adopted a resolution accepting and distributing gaming tax funds that will produce a Homestead/Farmstead credit for the 2024–25 school year of $345.13 in Westmoreland County and $345.14 in Fayette County for qualifying properties. The district explained the credit applies to properties that have filed for Homestead/Farmstead relief and described property valuation caps used in the calculation.
Board members discussed whether a middle ground (for example, a half‑mill increase) was feasible but proceeded with Option 1 after debate. The business manager acknowledged cost pressures such as a 12% increase in health‑care premiums and said the administration would continue seeking cost‑savings opportunities.
The budget resolution and related tax continuations and real‑estate tax actions were adopted on the record.
