Whitnall's levy won't rise as much as feared
Unique revenue sources come to the aid of tight district budget
Greenfield — Whitnall officials believe they can keep a property tax levy increase in the single digits despite a state budget that will result in the loss of traditional revenue sources for the school district.
The Whitnall School Board heard from district administrators Monday about the pluses and minuses surrounding the developing 2009-10 budget.
Like many school districts, Whitnall is struggling in the face of a recession and the recently approved state budget.
The district will receive an estimated $1.4 million less in state aid this year, according to Department of Public Instruction projections. Additionally, state lawmakers reduced the per-pupil revenue cap increase, which means districts can raise spending by only $200 per student instead of the $274 initially expected.
That will result in a loss of an estimated $168,000 for Whitnall, officials said.
Because of those actions, Whitnall's property tax levy could rise as much as 11.9 percent. However, officials outlined several factors they said could help.
Last week, Whitnall was awarded a $500,000 construction bond under the federal stimulus package. The money could be used toward a planned upgrade of the heating and air conditioning system at the middle school.
The district also will get money from a settlement reached in a class-action antitrust lawsuit filed on behalf of all Wisconsin school districts against Microsoft. Whitnall will gain $68,000 as a result, Business Manager Amy Kohl said.
Officials also reduced the compensation package for non-union employees and will monitor and limit overtime to reduce the budget.
With the additional revenue and the cost-saving measures, the levy increase could be as low as 8.6 percent.
Administrators recommended against staff reductions and reinstating student fees. The board earlier this year decided to waive most student fees, such as athletic and activity/club fees, in light of the economic recession.
Officials also want to see how many students participate in activities now that they are free, Superintendent Karen Petric said. The district collected a net of about $212,000 from fees last year.
While the district finalizes the 2009-10 budget, officials are already preparing for foreseen difficulties in the 2010-11 budget, for which stimulus money would not likely be available and which may further be hampered by changes in state law.
Administrators will organize small-group discussions with community groups, such as parent-teacher organizations, to help set their priorities, Petric said.
The School Board will continue discussing the proposed budget through the annual meeting Sept. 28.
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