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Directors look at areas to cut in dealing with projected $1 million shortfall.
HANOVER TWP. – During an abbreviated work session of the Hanover Area School Board on Monday night, board President John Pericci said the administration is looking into reducing budgetary proposals in dealing with a projected $1 million deficit.
Pericci, as he has done previously, outlined proposals for cost cuts for supplies and services that are designed to reduce a projected 1.6 mill tax increase down to .6 mills. A mill is a $1 tax on every $1,000 of assessed property value.
The projected budget for 2011-12 is almost $28.3 million up from $24.9 million this year. The budget is scheduled to be enacted by May 30.
Saying the impact to the district of Gov. Tom Corbett’s cost-cutting proposals is $1.55 million, Pericci said salary freezes, staff reductions, as well as supply cuts are being considered.
In conjunction with the latter, it was stated that the school administration has been authorized on May 5 to receive (and open) bids for: gasoline and fuel, garbage collection, reconditioning of athletic equipment, general athletic supplies, general science supplies and nursing/medical supplies.
Besides the work session, the board also met in executive session to review personnel matters.
In addition, a refund of real estate taxes was approved for the years 2009 and 2010 for Mary, Darryl and Lora Tomko, 32 Tomko Ave., Hanover Township, in the amounts of $484.29 and $504.15.
The board, in advance of its regular public meeting on Thursday, 7 p.m., approved:
•Payments of $74 and $1,348.50 for legal services to Sweet, Stevens, Katz, Williams LLP;
•The Luzerne Intermediate Unit 18 General Operating Budget, which reflects no increase from 2010-2011. Pericci said the budget will provide the same level of services.
•The business administrator to solicit quotes for a tax and revenue anticipation note for the period July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012.
The board also acknowledged the donation from Brian Zaboski of an LP gas stove for the fusion stand at the stadium.
At the outset, the board, heard a presentation from Jerry Hudock and Ted Warkomski, Mid-Atlantic Solar, West Nanticoke, about the construction of solar panels on property behind the high school. Warkomski estimated that savings in electrical costs could be $61,000 per year at the high school alone.
He said the solar system has the potential to eliminate all of the district’s current electrical expenses as well as produce additional energy that could be publicly marketed. The total cost Warkomski submitted for the solar panel project is between $18 million and $22 million, which he suggested could be offset through grants, tax rebates and other means. Hudock said an immediate 30 percent federal tax rebate is a possibility.
Thomas R. Cipriano Jr., business administrator, will hold further discussion with Mid-Atlantic personnel.
What’s next
The regular meeting of the Hanover Area School Board will be Thursday at 7 p.m.