Board debates target tax rate
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Published: January 14, 2009
The Rutland School Board debated the number of reductions to make from a proposed $45.2 million school spending plan for fiscal year 2010 at its Tuesday meeting.
Board Chairman Peter Mello directed the administration to come back to the board with a reduced budget that would increase the education tax rate 1.5 percent, rather than the proposed 3 percent increase.
If that target is met, the board would have to cut more than $300,000 out of its budget, according to estimates provided by Chief Financial Officer Peter Amons.
The motion was made following debate by members on whether or not to target field trips, school supplies and other optional cuts presented by the administration.
The plan, presented to the board last month, would increase the education tax rate 8 cents — from $1.24 per $100 of assessed property value to $1.28.
For the average Rutland homeowner, with a $30,000 income and a home valued at $160,000, the education tax portion of their bill would be an estimated $934 under the proposed plan, according to estimates provided by Amons.
For every $100,000 cut from the school's budget, that average homeowner would save $7 on their annual tax bill, according to the estimates.
The numbers are based on an estimated statewide base tax rate of 85 cents.
The board is expected to vote on the budget Jan. 27. Rutland voters will have the final say on the spending plan when they vote at town meeting March 3.
— Staff reports
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