Richland optimistic on taxes

Local News

Discussion

January 28, 2013

Richland optimistic on taxes

Any boost minimal, school board says

David Hurst dhurst@tribdem.com The Tribune-Democrat Mon Jan 28, 2013, 11:31 PM EST

JOHNSTOWN — Richland School District leaders are just beginning to map out their 2013-2014 spending plan, but one thing is already clear: An increase, if any, would be minimal.

School officials voted unanimously on Monday on a resolution to stay within their Act 1 tax cap, meaning they would be able to raise millage for next year by no more than 0.83 mills.

“What it means is that we’re staying within our index, which is 1.7 percent, this year,” Chairman Michael Bodolosky said, noting the district was up against a state deadline to make the decision.

The alternative would have involved seeking a special referendum or exceptions that would have allowed the board to raise millage about twice that high.

Richland requested state exceptions last year. But after approving the request, district leaders spent months cutting more than $200,000 in costs and ultimately avoided the increase.

Richland hasn't raised taxes in four years. Superintendent Thomas Fleming said board members have indicated they want to continue the trend next year if possible.

“We’re trying to live within our means,” Fleming said. “For us, that means looking at all areas and budget categories closely and being fiscally responsible.”

One major matter remains: Reaching a new contract with the district's teachers. Fleming said talks are ongoing.

Richland must adopt a tentative budget by May and a final one by June.

Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat print edition.

Click here to subscribe to The Tribune-Democrat e-edition.

Text Only | Photo Reprints

Local News

Funeral plans set for Jackson Twp. firefighter
Funeral arrangements have been set for a Jackson Township firefighter killed in a tractor accident over the weekend.

June 17, 2013
Fugitive returning – eventually – to Somerset jail
A warden says a man who was arrested in New Jersey after escaping from the Somerset County Jail in 2005 will be returned to the lockup – eventually.

June 18, 2013
Power in Moxham expected to be restored by 1 p.m. Tuesday
One person was sent to the hospital Tuesday after a vehicle slammed into a utility pole in Johnstown leaving some customers without power, authorities said. The one-vehicle crash happened on Bridge Street in the Moxham section of Johnstown at 1:14 a.m., fire Chief Anthony Kovacic said. When firefighters arrived, they found utility wires down, he said. Denny Platt, area manager for Penelec, said 402 customers initially lost power, including North American Hoganas High Alloys, a business which is located on Bridge Street. Power was restored to all but nine customers by 3:30 a.m., he said. The remaining nine customers are expected to have power restored by 1 p.m., Platt said.

June 18, 2013
Easter Seals’ branches join, add services
A June 4 merger of two independent Pennsylvania Easter Seals nonprofit organizations has led to an increased service area and expanded programs, Johnstown Division Director Annette Shearman said.

June 17, 2013
Inmate’s hearing delayed
The first court appearance by a death-row inmate who police and many witnesses say slammed a Cambria County attorney in the face more than a month ago is again delayed.

June 17, 2013
Bedford trial set to open
A man charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of a western Bedford County man he called his best friend will attempt to convince a jury that he should not be held responsible for his death.

June 17, 2013
Richland bash sheds Thunder ties
Although no longer officially part of Thunder in the Valley, Richland Bike Bash provides another motorcycle-themed venue for music, food and fun while supporting the Richland Township Fire Department.

June 17, 2013
Pool ’n Pork festival adds new activities
Each year, the Nanty Glo Pool and Park along Lincoln Avenue tries to draw a portion of the leather-clad throngs speeding to Johns-town’s annual Thunder in the Valley event.

June 17, 2013 1 Photo
Police roundup: 2nd man sought in diamond heist
Richland Township police are looking for a second suspect in connection with a jewelry store robbery at The Galleria on Saturday.

June 17, 2013
In brief: West Taylor bridge project underway
Work to replace two structures that cross Wildcat Run and a tributary to Laurel Run on Cooper Avenue, Route 3041, in West Taylor Township began Monday.

June 17, 2013
More Local News Headlines

Do you think Edward Snowden, the American who claims to have given documents about classified phone records to journalists, should be:

Local News

Search Results

Discussion

Richland optimistic on taxes

Any boost minimal, school board says

Do you think Edward Snowden, the American who claims to have given documents about classified phone records to journalists, should be:

Contact Us