Property taxes increase in every Franklin County school district for 2019-2020
Carley BonkAll six school districts within Franklin County are increasing property taxes this year. Chambersburg, Tuscarora, Waynesboro, Greencastle-Antrim, Shippensburg and Fannett-Metal school boards voted to hike tax rates to address increases like new positions, employee compensation and special education programs.
Property taxes are calculated utilizing the millage rate of each school district. One mill equals 1/1,000 of a dollar. A property owner's tax rate is figured out by multiplying the millage rate by the assessed value of their home or property.
The average assessed value of a home in the county is $21,500, according to the Franklin County Tax Assessment Office. The figure is noted to come from 1961 - the last time the county has been assessed.
Chambersburg Area School District
Chambersburg residents' millage rate rose from 109.647 mills to 115.019 mills. The 4.9% increase is the highest jump of Franklin County school districts. The average homeowner in the district can expect to pay $2,473, more than $175 over the previous year.
The district estimates spending to total $148,601,335 throughout the 2019-2020 school year. With incoming funds estimated at $5 million less ($45,273,948 from state sources), the district has taken steps to reduce spending through department's discretionary spending, cutting one administrative position and one teaching position.
These reductions align with one of four main goals, "financial stability and good stewardship," according to Communications and Marketing Director Brian Miller.
District enrollment is close to 10,000 students.
Miller highlighted four top reasons for the budget increase in an email to the Public Opinion.
- Increase in resources for special education is necessary due to the "number of students and the severity of the need"
- Charter school expenses
- Employee cost - including salaries and benefits
- Slow growth of the assessment base - roughly 1% growth
Tuscarora School District
Tuscarora's millage rate rose from 122.6 mills to 125 mills. The 1.9% hike reflects in a $119 increase from the previous year and average property tax payment of $2,688. Tuscarora homeowners pay the highest property tax in the county.
The district enrolled about 2,300 students last year.
Tuscarora has an estimated operating cost of $39,870,182, a little under $350,000 less than the income listed in the budget. The state is expected to provide about $17 million.
Marcia Stokes, business manager for the district, said the increase in taxes will primarily go toward funding new positions in their buildings.
Guidance staff for social and emotional support will be added to the elementary schools, as well as special education aides and an LPN position.
"We hope for this to show that we are investing more in our classrooms," Stokes said.
Waynesboro Area School District
Waynesboro's millage rate rose from 94.768 mills to 97.518 mills. A 2.9% increase will add $111 to the average property tax bill from the previous year - totaling $2,097 for the average homeowner.
Waynesboro projected an even budget with spending and revenue at $60,485,975. State revenue will total $26,519,898.
The district serves nearly 4,400 students, according to Patrick McDonald, school board treasurer.
McDonald also shared a document stating goals for the 2019-2020 school year. The newsletter mentions an expansion of early childhood programs, new high school classes and certifications and an additional teacher for the Family Consumer Sciences program at the high school.
Greencastle-Antrim School District
The millage rate in Greencastle-Antrim's budget is listed at 112.84 mills for this year - that rounds out to be about a 2.7% increase from last year. The average homeowner will be expected to pay about $124 more this year in property taxes, a total of $2,426.
Projected spending for the school year is estimated to cost $42,262,601. The district will operate in a roughly million-dollar deficit. The state will provide just under $14 million.
Kendra Trail, superintendent, said the district is planning on upgrading technology, social studies resources and adding an additional learning support staff member at the high school.
Just over 3,000 students are enrolled in the schools within Greencastle-Antrim district.
Other districts
Fannett-Metal School District has tax-paying residents in both Franklin and Perry counties. It also has the lowest enrollment and lowest property tax in Franklin County - 80.5 mills. The increase is a .19% jump from last year.
The district did not offer a comment on the increase.
Shippensburg Area School District is split with Cumberland County. The district is instating a 1.2% tax increase for Franklin County residents. The new millage rate listed in the 2019-2020 budget is 99.0041 mills.
The district did not respond for comment.
Quick look
Chambersburg
- Tax increase of 4.9 percent
- Average homeowner will pay $2,473
- $175 more than previous year
Tuscarora
- Tax increase of 1.96%
- Average homeowner will pay $2,688
- $119 more than previous year
Waynesboro
- Tax increase of 2.9%
- Average homeowner will pay $2,097
- $111 more than previous year
Greencastle-Antrim
- Tax increase of 2.7%
- Average homeowner will pay $2,426
- $124 more than previous year
Shippensburg
- Tax increase of 1.2%
- Average homeowner will pay $2,129
- $79 more than previous year
Fannett-Metal
- Tax increase of .19%
- Average homeowner will pay $1,731
- $47 more than previous year
More:Will you pay more property taxes in 2018-19?
More:The Transource tax bomb: lower property values, less revenue