From the Lafayette Journal & Courier:
Three years later, West Lafayette Community School Corp. continues to be cushioned against declining state revenue by a 2009 referendum.
The impact
On Wednesday, board members received an overview of the West Lafayette Community School Corp.’s proposed 2013 budget.
Business manager Ross Sloat said the district’s referendum fund for 2013 is being advertised at $4,178,973 with a final tax rate of not more than 37 cents.
The district will see an estimated $3.9 million in revenue from this fund in 2013, depending on the district’s final assessed value, which has yet to be determined.
But obstacles remain for the district.
One is a cap on school district transportation operating funds. New this year, the cap has limited West Lafayette to $306,892, based on the district’s prior spending habits.
However, West Lafayette has in recent years held off on bus purchases.
In 2013, the district is in need of a new school bus and a new activity bus, purchases that mean the district needs an estimated transportation operating fund of more than $400,000.
Sloat said he plans to file an appeal with the Department of Local Government Finance in order to raise the cap.
What’s next
A public hearing on the proposed budget will be held during a regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 12 at the central office, 1130 N. Salisbury St.
Public comment will be taken.
http://www.jconline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012308220031&nclick_check=1
