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Wissahickon finance chair flags $1.4M shortfall, eyes grants and tax flexibility
Summary
Finance chair reported a roughly $1.4 million gap on $139 million in estimated revenues and said the district has applied for a special‑education exception under Act 1 to allow up to a 5.1% tax increase; the administration also described grant applications (Stony Creek roof $1.5M; Lower Gwynedd renovations $4M) and other items to be voted next week.
The finance committee told the board that the district’s revenues (about $139 million) are roughly $1.4 million short of estimated expenses for the coming year and that the administration has applied for a special‑education exception under Pennsylvania’s Act 1 to allow flexibility up to a 5.1% tax increase.
Finance chair reported the committee’s recommendations and said the committee will bring several items for approval next week, including continued engagement with the district’s current auditor through 2028 and other standard finance reports. The committee also said it is exploring earned‑income tax credits for volunteer firefighters.
Administrative staff explained grant strategies intended to reduce local cost exposure: CHA would assist with two complex grants — a $1.5 million application to replace the Stony Creek roof and a $4 million application for renovation work at Lower Gwynedd Elementary. The administration said there would be no district cost if a grant application is unsuccessful and noted the grants require extensive application and reporting work over approximately two years.
Other finance items on the upcoming agenda include standard payment lists and a $7,000 donation from WeOff to support a Sphero and iPad grant for the high‑school library. Board members encouraged community participation in finance‑committee meetings to help prioritize budget decisions.
