No tax hike in Allegheny Valley School District's proposed budget

Allegheny Valley School Board approved the district’s proposed $23 million preliminary budget for next school year.

The spending plan includes no increase in property taxes. District officials said expenses increased by about 1%, mostly because of pension contributions.

The budget will be on review for the public before final approval in June.

At the tax rate of 20.8377 mills, the average homeowner would continue to pay about $1,530 in Springdale Township, $1,682 in Springdale Borough, $1,905 in Harmar and $2,163 in Cheswick.

The board still could make changes to the budget over the next month if members decide they want to consider other options.

The board approved a 2% tax increase for this school year after residents pleaded with the district to not cut staff positions to fill a deficit.

The 2019-20 budget is not projected to have a deficit.