Whitehall Township and Coplay Borough homeowners should prepare for another school tax increase.

The proposed final 2023-24 general fund budget is in the total amount of $92,970,666, which is an increase of 3.1% from the 2022-23 tax year.

This version of the budget balances revenues with projected expenditures, utilizing fund balances at a rate of 20.8204 mils, an increase of 3.22% from the prior year.

The proposed final budget will be advertised and publicly displayed in accordance with the Pennsylvania School Code and Act 1 of 2006, which will permit for it to be adopted in its final form by June 30.

The proposed final budget will be reviewed at the May 8 committee meeting, at the May 22 regular meeting and finalized in June.

During the public participation segment of the meeting, several residents of Whitehall-Coplay School District addressed the board regarding the tax increase. Each speaker expressed concerns for elderly residents who have a fixed income, and others suggested the board curb spending.

They were directed to attend the next meeting, which will be held 4 p.m. May 8 in the LGI room at Whitehall High School, 3800 Mechanicsville Road.