New Castle News

Local News

Discussion

July 2, 2009

No tax hike in Wilmington

The Wilmington Area School Board approved an $18.3 million budget with no tax increase Monday night.

The vote was 8-0, with William Pitman absent.

The board also approved documentation to support the budget, including continuation of a $10 per capita tax, a $10 occupational privilege (local service) tax on $2,000 of income, an earned income tax of 1 percent with half going to the district, and a 1 percent realty transfer tax, with half going to the district.

Property tax millage remains at 12.3 mills, or $1.23 per $100 of assessed valuation in Lawrence County and 52.8 mills or $5.28 per $100 of assessed valuation in Mercer County.

One mill of tax generates $374,000 in Lawrence County and $12,000 in Mercer County.

Superintendent Dr. C. Joyce Nicksick said the proposed budget presented last month was trimmed by $316,000 by cutting estimated fuel costs and reducing the budgetary reserve and capital projects.

The budget was balanced, she added, using $1.8 million front the district�s fund balance surplus. About $5.2 million remains in the fund, including $3 million designated for the renovation project and money for health-care and retirement increases.

In the coming school year, Nicksick said, she will endeavor to control spending so the budget is not exceeded by monitoring daily supplies, reducing field trips and possibly other efforts.

�Our only other option is to raise taxes,� she said. �But I recommend holding the line with taxes.�

She said the district can do this because it has a significant fund balance, which she called the district�s �rainy day fund,� and �with the economy in its current shape, it is difficult to ask our residents to pay more taxes. We are fortunate to have the fund balance that we do.�

The board also approved the homestead/farmstead exclusion assessment reduction. This provides each homeowner and farm owner in the district a property tax credit of $162.47.

Text Only | Photo Reprints
Local News
  • Salem.jpg City’s new police chief sworn in

    Robert A. Salem was sworn in Thursday night as New Castle’s police chief. City council confirmed his appointment on a 3-0 vote before a packed council chambers that included family members and fellow police officers. Other officers stood in the hallway outside chambers.

    February 10, 2012 1 Photo

  • Council OKs assessments

    New Castle City Council approved compromise assessment settlements for two properties Thursday night.

    February 10, 2012

  • Council briefs: A roundup from meeting

    Reporter John K. Manna offers a roundup of items from Thursday night’s meeting of New Castle City Council.

    February 10, 2012

  • Supervisors probe floor at ice rink

    The Neshannock Township supervisors are investigating the crumbling new floor at the Hess Ice Rink. The supervisors will send a letter to Sierra Stone of Grove City, the company that installed the a rubberized floor made of recycled tires, in the lobby, two bathrooms and two locker rooms.

    February 10, 2012

  • Russo.jpg Local firefighter honored for rescue efforts

    Rick Russo and Robert Spitko II had never really made each other’s acquaintance until this week. But one rainy, foggy night in August, the two firefighters worked shoulder to shoulder in a rescue attempt that saved the life of a homeless woman stranded in a rising stream near Norristown, Pa.

    February 9, 2012 1 Photo

  • County has 550 properties available

    Anyone wanting to buy properties from Lawrence County’s repository has a few new rules to follow. The county has deed to about 550 properties that have gone unsold through annual tax “upset” and free and clear sales.

    February 9, 2012

  • Shad.jpg Shad Hanna’s: Demolition expected to resume

    Demolition of the former Shad Hanna’s restaurant is about to resume. Anthony Cioffi, New Castle code enforcement foreman, said the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection halted the demolition to determine if any asbestos was in the building.

    February 8, 2012 1 Photo

  • Kladitis.jpg Northminster launching Bible study for young adults

    Anthony Kladitis, youth pastor at Northminster Presbyterian Church, is launching a new Bible study. Called “Engage(d),” he promises that the gathering “is not your father’s Bible study.”

    February 8, 2012 1 Photo

  • Baden woman seeks Senate seat

    Kimberly Pazzanita Villella of Baden has announced her candidacy for the state Senate in the 47th District. A Democrat, Villella is beginning her second four-year term on Baden Borough Council.

    February 8, 2012

  • money.jpg City pension fund sees gain in final quarter

    The city of New Castle’s employee pension fund gained in value during the last quarter of 2011. The gain is attributed to a strong showing in the stock market during the period following poor performance in the previous three months.

    February 7, 2012 1 Photo