Why didn't they think of this last year? Or is because it is an election year?
"'We know we want to keep the millage down, we want to have no increase, so I would work very hard with this board and with (Superintendant) Dr. (Timothy) Steinhauer to make that happen,' Klein said."
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_717913.html
The reasons are :
ReplyDelete1) To discredit James Fraasch and all those in the public that referred to the District's own 5-year budget estimates early last year that projected a 45% real estate tax increase....it infuriated the board majority & administration...it's probably *get even* time; and,
2) It's an election year folks...5 SB seats are up for grabs and the incumbents enjoy the power and the self esteem....no time to raise taxes; and,
3) There will very likely be a budget surplus again this year due to crafty budgeting...and for just one downstram example, the reassessments for calendar year 2012 will be announced this year that will impact the 2012-13 budget....the windfall law for school districts allows districts to retain up to around 3%-5% above revenue neutral....so some deferable 2011-12 costs will likely slide over to 2012-13; and,
4) Another possibility is that there may be no compelling need to place extra funds in PSERS & OPEB savings accounts in 2011-12.
Whatever it is, it has already been figured out....otherwise there would have been the preliminary January Act 1 "fake budget" proposed, SB approved and submitted to Harrisburg for waivers don't you know !
Anyone believe that the Ostergaard budget committee has come up with real savings from the base budget for 2011-12 ? I'd really like to know.
Bill Lewis