Whitehall-Coplay School Board, during a special meeting June 12, approved the 2023-24 budget, which includes an increase in taxes.

The budget, as prepared, balances revenues with projected expenditures - requiring an increase of 0.5849 mills, for a total real estate tax rate of 20.7558 mills.

The $92.5 million spending plan brings with it a 2.59% property tax hike. This equates to an additional $102.61, on average, per year per residential property.

Whitehall-Coplay School District’s 2022-23 budget included a 3% tax increase.

The board was able to make several cuts in the budget before the final vote June 12.

This version of the budget, as presented at the meeting and advertised 30 days earlier, was approved by a 7-1-1 vote.

Voting to approve the budget were William Fonzone, Patty Gaugler, Nichole Hartman, Keri Kromer, George Makhoul, Joseph Shields and George Williams.

Voting against the budget was Allison Schultz.

Fady Salloum abstained.

With regard to the Homestead and Farmstead Exclusion Resolution, the board confirmed the acceptance of $1,486,424.17 in total property tax reduction funds, or $225.32 for 6,597 approved homesteads and farmsteads within the district as pursuant to Act 1 of 2006 - Taxpayer Relief Act.

The meeting also addressed specific personnel action that included the acceptance of several retirements, transfers and resignations within the district.

Several appointments were approved by the board as well as athletic and coaching positions and summer roles.

The board approved the agreement with Metz Culinary Management to provide food service management services July 1-June 30, 2024.

The next school board meeting is 7 p.m. June 26 at the school district administration building, 2940 MacArthur Road.