Crest Taxes up Slightly

Crest faces slight hike in school-tax rate
By TRUDI GILFILLIAN Staff Writer, (609) 463-6716
Press of Atlantic City
Published: Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Updated: Wednesday, March 15, 2006

WILDWOOD CREST — The school-tax rate is likely to increase about a half-cent under the school district's 2006-07 budget.

That would bring the rate to 37.2 cents per $100 of assessed property valuation compared to 36.8 cents in the previous year.

The tax bill on a $100,000 property would increase from $368.45 last year to $372.30.

In a statement issued Tuesday, School Superintendent Dennis J. Anderson said the $5.97 million budget holds the line on spending while maintaining current educational programs.

Anderson said the district is still waiting to learn how much state aid it will receive and whether the amount of aid will remain flat or be decreased. “We built this budget anticipating a decrease in state aid. Hopefully that will not happen, and we can reduce the local levy,” he said.

As proposed, the budget makes use of slightly more than $5 million in taxpayer money, up from $4.8 million in the 2005-06 spending plan.

Anderson credited the school board's “frugal management” with making it possible to maintain the school's existing programs. He said that no additional staff positions are planned.

“Inflation accounts for the increase in our budget,” Anderson said. He pointed to the rising cost of utilities, tuition, salaries and insurance.

He continued, “We are committed to providing programs of study, activities and facilities that are diversified and flexible, so that all children will benefit from their school experience.”

A public hearing will be held March 28 at Crest Memorial School.

To e-mail Trudi Gilfillian at The Press:TGilfillian@pressofac.com