BOARD FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES

MARCH 13, 2006

 

Members of the Board Finance Committee met on Monday, March 13, 2006, at 7:45 p.m. in the Superintendent’s Conference Room. Present were School Board Members Dr. Craig Haytmanek, Charlene Koch, Rosario Amato, Diane Rowe, Joseph Craig, Judith Dexter, Loretta Leeson, William Heske and Margaret Williams. Also present were Dr. Joseph A. Lewis, superintendent of schools; Stanley J. Majewski, Jr., assistant to the superintendent for finance and administration; Dr. Charlene Brennan from Colonial Intermediate Unit 20; and members of the press.

 

COURTESY OF THE FLOOR – None requested.

 

2006-2007 PROPOSED BUDGET PRESENTATION FOR COLONIAL INTERMEDIATE UNIT (CIU) 20 – CIU 20 Executive Director Dr. Charlene Brennan presented the proposed budget for the 2006-2007 school year. The overall increase in the General Operating Budget for the 2006-2007 school year is 5.84 percent. The increase for each district will fluctuate based on changes in weighted average daily memberships and market values.

 

The Bethlehem Area School District’s contribution for 2006-2007 will be the sum of $98,077.70. This is an increase from last year of $3,316.56 or 3.50 percent. The budget will appear on the March 20, 2006, Regular Monthly Board Agenda for approval.

 

Mrs. Leeson requested the administration prepare a breakdown of expenses paid to the intermediate unit for the past five years. Mr. Majewski will provide this information to the board.

 

TAX PAYMENTS SCHEDULE FOR 2006-2007 SCHOOL YEAR - Mr. Majewski presented the schedule of tax payment dates for the 2006-2007 school year. The payment plan remains the same as in past years with only the dates being changed.

 

TAX COLLECTION VIA THE INTERNET – Mr. Majewski advised the committee that he is considering recommending that the district enter into a contract with Official Payments to allow taxpayers to make their tax payments via the Internet with the use of a credit card or an electronic check. Any contract would be brought before the board for consideration and approval.

 

BUILDINGS USED AS POLLING PLACES – Mr. Majewski presented a list of district buildings that will be used for polling places for the May 16, 2006, Municipal Primary Election and the November 7, 2006, Municipal General Election.

 

There was discussion with regard to parking problems and security issues. Mr. Majewski advised the committee that parking spaces will be made available for senior citizens and that security issues are being addressed as needed. People entering the buildings to vote will not be allowed to roam the buildings and will be restricted to the polling stations.

 

EXONERATION OF REAL ESTATE TAXES - Mr. Majewski presented a request to exonerate a parcel of property that was acquired by Northampton Community College in March of 2005. Northampton County initially listed the property as taxable and included the assessed valuation on the tax duplicate for the 2005-2006 fiscal year. The community college was granted a tax-exempt status after the tax bills had been mailed. The college, a tax exempt organization, is requesting that the Board of School Directors exonerate the 2005-2006 school real estate base tax and penalty totaling $53,701.25. This item will appear on the March 20, 2006, Regular Monthly Board Agenda for approval.

 

OPEN FORUM – No items for discussion.

 

The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m

 

 

 

Minutes prepared by: Confidential Secretary to the Assistant to the Superintendent for Finance and Administration.