Board approves $35.45 million general fund budget amid public objections over tax increases

The Montoursville Area School District board approved its proposed general fund budget for fiscal year 2024–25 at the June 11 meeting after public comment opposition and board discussion about program cuts and potential property tax impacts.

The budget presented for approval was described in the meeting as approximately $35.45 million for fiscal 2024–25; presenters stressed the figure reflects salary and work schedules as proposed. The board approved the general fund budget and several related items (personnel approvals, policy second readings, and the Homestead and Farmstead exclusion resolution) by roll call and combined motions.

Several residents urged the board to keep any tax increase to a minimum or to defer it. Jack Callahan, a longtime meeting attendee, told the board he lives on Social Security and pension and cannot afford higher taxes. "I don't want them raised over — though it's only $50 — because everything else is raised and my Social Security and pension isn't," Callahan said during public comment.

Kathy Burns urged the board to heed residents asking for no increase and highlighted community members who depend on a low tax burden. Ron Snell and other commenters said they oppose repeatedly rising taxes and want transparency about where cuts have been considered.

A public commenter and several board members also questioned whether consolidation of elementary schools is being weighed as a way to address multi‑million dollar facility needs. Board members asked administration to provide clearer documentation about what has been trimmed from previous budgets and to supply the public with specifics about proposed cuts and the consequences of not approving the budget.

Administration said that some savings over time have come from staffing reductions through attrition (the district reported a drop from about 159 FTE seven years ago to about 142 FTE currently) and that some line items (for example, paper supplies) have been trimmed, but that such reductions are relatively small compared with capital and operating pressures. The presenters told the board that without the proposed revenue, certain additions included in the current budget — including contracted armed security personnel listed in the new budget — could be removed.

The board also approved the Homestead and Farmstead exclusion resolution (a tax relief filing that requires eligible property owners to apply to receive the exclusion) and several consent agenda items. Solicitor‑requested roll calls were used for some grouped votes.

No further budget hearings were scheduled in the meeting record. The board received commitments to publish additional cost details (including energy and operational estimates tied to facility options) to inform future deliberations.