(4/21) The Fairfield Area School Board plans to raise taxes by 3.63 percent this year.
During their April 22 meeting, the board unanimously approved a $22 million preliminary budget proposal. The board expects to give the budget final approval on June 24. Business Manager Tim Stanton told the board the budget focuses on tackling deferred maintenance, building a three-year capital plan, and saving money for a possible expansion of the Adams County Technical Institute.
Stanton said the proposed tax increase will cost the average homeowner $98 annually.
In October, ACTI Administrative Director Sean Eckenrode told the board the school is seeking a new location in central Adams County. ACTI serves all Adams County school districts except for Upper Adams.
The board agreed with Stanton’s proposal to save $200,000 per year for ACTI so the district is prepared for when the bill arrives. If ACTI changes its plans, the district will reallocate the money.
"Any dollars you put away now saves that interest on the bond down the road," Superintendent Thomas Haupt said.
The board also plans to contribute $8,000 towards a high school courtyard proposed by 11th-grade students Delaney Gass, Bella Kozack, and Tristin Barnhart. The trio has raised $3,000 to date and continues to fundraise and apply for grants.
Board members want to help them achieve phase one of their goal before they graduate. Next year, the district will use the $11,000 total to install a sidewalk platform, pavilion, seating, and electricity. Future phases include a butterfly garden, landscaping, and a fish pond.
The board is also budgeting to reseal the high school parking lot at a cost of $100,000. Board members hope to seek assistance for the project from Liberty Mountain Resort, which uses the lot on weekends.
Stanton will not be seeing the 2024-25 budget process to completion. His last day with the district was April 22. Stanton did not cite a reason for his resignation but told the board he enjoyed his two years at Fairfield. He added he wishes he left the district in a better financial shape but believes they are working towards that goal by hiring Assistant Business Manager Scott Wilt as his replacement. Stanton said he has known Wilt for about 7 years and believes him to be one of the area's most talented school business professionals.
"My legacy is I left you Scott," he said.
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