Residents of Mars Area School District could pay an increased amount in property taxes next year after the Board voted to move forward with a plan to increase milage for next year’s budget.
The proposed budget of nearly $59 million for the 2023-24 school year includes a 4.15 mil tax increase passed by a vote of 8 to 1 with board president John Kennedy dissenting.
Although those who voted for the increase made it clear that they did not want to raise taxes, they also spoke about how the rapid and continuing growth in Mars makes increased spending necessary in order to meet student needs. This budget includes pay for 16 new district employees as well as a nearly 7% increase in the cost of health insurance and a 16% increase for utilities.
The new milage rate for taxpayers of the Mars Area School District would climb to 105.526 and works out to about $10 more per month for about 70% of district property owners. This proposed budget is available for public review for the next 30 days through the Mars website well as at the District’s school buildings and administration offices.
This is the second time in the last 16 years that Mars has proposed a tax increase. The board is expected to vote to adopt the final budget next month.
