Every month the district issues a Treasurer’s Report. It shows the balances in various off-budget funds, the General Fund, the Capital Reserve Fund, and the Capital Projects Fund.
There are other funds with substantial balances, but only these are available to defray spending, and therefore, provide school property tax relief.
This information is available from the school district. It is a Public Record.
Each year the board tells the community it does not have enough money for education, and they must raise taxes.
Last year, they had over $6,000,000 in these funds, yet they increased millage for the sixth consecutive year.
This year, they have $16,455,594 sitting in funds. This represents approximately 25.3 mills of taxes!
The board’s yearly assertion they must raise taxes needs testing against documented, enormous, tax dollar, balances available for use.
They owe the citizens a complete budget discussion.
The next Budget and Finance Committee Meeting is Wednesday, November 15, 2006 , at 6:00 p.m. at the Administration Building boardroom.
It is a Public Meeting and you can ask questions.
Posts
83 comments:
Can the board please explain this? You tell us one thing and look at this report. $16+ million for what? Are you looking to build? This money could of been used to offset a couple of years of tax increases. What are you going to say now?
Hm, Hm, Hm.
This should make for an interesting explanation by the board. But, the questions is?
Will they answer?
So, pro-boarders...where's your smarty-pants answers to this?
HEY!
WHERE IS EVERYONE?
The pro-boarders must be having an early Thanksgiving eating Crow!
What gall they have raising our taxes with that much of a surplus!
It's hard enough to make ends meet now.
Good Morning Pro-Boarders,
It's 5:32 a.m., I'm all gussied up and heading out the door for my FIRST job of each weekday. When I get home from my SECOND job, tonight, around 8:30, I'll check in on here and see how many RETIRED folks placed comments on here about Al's latest information given freely to the general public to easily view. I'm sure many ONE JOB people will get to see the blogs long before the TWO JOBBERS get to see them tonight. Oh! If only I didn't need new underwear and a pack of gum, I could skip that second job. Round about 12 hours into my workday, I'd like to meet up with the swell person that wrote that. You think this is a joke? All you are accomplishing is a reaction of PITY for YOU. We do what we HAVE to do to survive. Our children come first. We can look ourselves in the mirror and have no problem with what we see. We're not quite sure how you do the same.
Cheerio!
Barbara Bieber said this past budget that if the board did not increase us this year they would have to increase us even more next year. Didn't she know the school had all this money? Are they keeping this from certain board members? Why did she say what she said if all this money is hanging around? She had alot of nerve saying this! I want you to explain Barbara Bieber!
CAT GOT YOUR TONGUE?
There's a whole Board full of responsible people that owe all of us an explanation. WEEU news said this morning, "Only a handful of people turned out at last night's meeting..."
I wonder what the answer to that is.
Could it be that they know the board is going to do what the board wants to do, and that these tax meetings are meaningless?
Could it be that we have so many people who can afford the taxes in this district that they just don't care?
Could it mean that the taxpayers are tired of hearing the same old thing?
The only day that will be the telling day is ELECTION DAY COME THIS MAY.
That is the day that really matters. The second next important day will be election day next November.
I'm sure by that time Oley will have amassed a SMALL FORTUNE.
I have one question for this school board - WHERE DID THE MONEY COME FROM?
Here we go again....we were provided with a bit of information on the budget and so called surplus and everyone wants to go off half-cocked and jump all over the board.
I just wonder how many folks on this blog truly know how the budget is set up and what each "fund" is for.
Does Al know?
Maybe if OCC would provide the whole picture instead of just enough to get the anger flowing, we might all be better off.
Yes, go to the meeting, by all means, but, don't jump to conclusions.
Ask pertinent questions, in a civil manner.
Maybe if the board doesn't feel like it is being attacked at every turn, they might be more willing to offer answers?
Hey pro-boarders now you speak. What are you talking about? This has nothing to do with how we approach the board. They have all this money available and the community wants to know why? Not just the OCC. Why have you increased our taxes in the past few years? I have gotten many calls today from citizens of this district that are furious of what is going on here. You better have a good explaination. We do not have to be nice either when we ask questions tomorrow, because if we are nice or not you probably will not give us an accurate answer. You people stink.
it's one thing to want answers and okay that you are angry, we all get angry, it's how you handle yourself that makes all the difference
The district budget consists of primarily of contractual obligations, some mandates, recurring and anticipated expenses, and a wish list matched against various revenue sources or the operational budget.
The board does like to discuss off-budget funds claiming they have nothing to do with the yearly spending deliberations.
This contention is benign because the General Fund, the Capital Reserve Fund, and the Capital Projects Fund can be used towards operational expenditures, thereby, reducing the need to raise taxes.
The General Fund is for any operational expense. The Capital Reserve Fund is for capital expenditures. The Capital Projects Fund is for projects declared at the time of the General Obligation Bond funding declarations for the Middle School.
The operational expenditures could utilize certainly the General Fund, in some cases the Capital Reserve Fund, and depending on the item, the Capital Projects Fund, as well.
The board makes the decision to tap or not tap these tax dollars.
Last year the board gave little attention to the $6,000,000 sitting in these funds while they raised taxes for the sixth consecutive year.
They gave even less time for the public to ask questions. One board member left a meeting claiming she was late for an appointment. They cut the meeting short.
The board must give the community a full budget presentation and not the one they try to sell.
...so called surplus????
Over $16 million is a so-called surplus? Hey, I've got some property in Florida I'd like to sell you. Gullible, gullible you.
Our civil manner has not gotten us anywhere! So, John Q. Board Member, try another angle next time you attack the messenger.
You say these funds "can be used" towards operational expenditures
Would that be principal? interest? both?
Are there regulations for how much can be used each year?
Isn't there a need to keep money in these funds from year to year?
I'm sure the questions are endless.
There is nothing wrong with asking questions and maybe these questions have been asked before, I don't know.
I just feel that the constant anger and hostility on this blog isn't very productive.
"attack the messenger"?
Pardon me, but which words would you consider to be an "attack".
My apologies if that is how you interpret what was said, but I merely asked a question and made a statement.
Are you Pro-Tax & Spend people telling us we should be nice to people who don't care about taxing us out of our homes?
That we shouldn't ask about OUR money sitting in funds, when our taxes keep going up?
That we should just "trust them" and not demand accountability.
I'd love to see your reactions if you were the one always paying and getting NOTHING in return.
Question:
This year there is over $16 million in these funds.
Last year, if my memory serves me, there was "only" $6 million in those same funds. If my memory is off, please explain exactly what those figures were last year, and if the $6 million figure from last year is about right, where did the "extra" ten million bucks come from?
Respectfully submitted by a taxpayer that does not mind paying my fair share, but does mind these tax rates.
Fair share what is that? We all pay every year and if we did not have to because this money was available why shouldn't we be mad, upset and want answers?
Barbara Bieber did not answer yet today did she? I do not know her style of writing but we all would like her answer.
Barbara Bieber was quoted in the Reading Eagle in June saying if we did not increase the taxes this year we would have to increase even more next year. Oh yeh! With all this money available do you still believe that BB?
The reason I didn't go to the meeting is because the Board appointed the committee. What? Waste more of my life trying to influence people who've already made up their minds.
There is no justice with this Board. Since they appointed the committe it's bound to be more of the same. Been there, done that. Sick of it!
I'm 65 years old and own a home in this school district. I will probably live to be 80. My taxes are currently around $4000 a year. How about if this board figures out what is should cost me to pay the school taxes on my home for the next 15 years. I will write them a check for that amount. If they are wrong, either way, too bad. They get the figure they quote me. All at once. If I don't make it to 80, they win, as usual. It would be so nice to live the rest of my life in peace, in The Oley Valley, instead of living my life in the shadow of the unforgiving tax collector. I've got pen in hand, get back to me.
In most cases, the balance in the General Fund is the one that fluctuates the most during the year.
It is the account where monies come into the district and then disbursed for expenditures.
The point is that by tracking the deposits and disbursements in off-budget funds, a picture develops as to monies that may be available for tax relief.
For example, when the board transfers money from the General Fund to the Capital Reserve Fund, these tax dollars are only for capital expenditures, and not for operational disbursements.
When the board approves this transaction, it reduces money in the General Fund, and has the effect of raising taxes to make up for the transfer amount.
However, on occasion, the budget does require the purchase of capital goods. Then the board has the discretion as to whether to use the funds sitting in the Capital Reserve or in the General Fund.
If the board chooses to use the General Fund balance, then it puts more pressure on the budget to the point of raising taxes.
If the board chooses to use the money in the Capital Reserve Fund for the same capital purchase, it reduces the need to raise taxes.
Tracking the balances provides the community the opportunity to observe the board's spending decisions and the effect on millage.
"Here we go again....we were provided with a bit of information on the budget and so called surplus and everyone wants to go off half-cocked and jump all over the board."
The post is about "balances" not surplus.
By tracking the transactions on fund "balances", the public can see what is available for tax relief.
The most meaningful "balances" are at the end of the year.
For example, if the General Fund "balance" is six times the dollar amount of tax increase, then the taxpayers must ask the question why did the board raise the millage.
That's the same question I want to ask.
Board, why did you raise the millage?
Tax payer underpants alert:
Fruit of the Loom Briefs on sale at Wal-Mart
7 pack for $5.44
Buy now, pay your taxes later.
To Johnson:
Cut me a check for $60,000 today and I'll make sure you never pay school taxes again as long as you live. Get back to ME. I'm as serious as a heart attack. Can we figure out a way to get in contact each other outside the blog without having everyone in the valley know?
You two could use the red carnation in the lapel trick and meet a King's at noon.
Or meet at the flagpole at the Oley Fairgrounds at midnight. Don't forget your trench coats.
Why would any board member respond to this blog here, much less read this thing? Just to read the tons of crap that gets dumped on them every day? I wouldn't. I read this thing, and occasionally comment because it is slightly more interesting than listening to my wife snoring from 3 rooms away.
$16 million dollars. That is almost 21 million pairs of fresh underpants.
My spouse doesn't like the $60,000 offer. She thinks you can't add. Who on earth would assume that taxes in the next 15 years won't continue to spike? But I think it's a deal! My wife is 20 years my junior. When I'm 80, and probably just a memory, does she get to live in "our" house until she's "80", without worrying about school taxes? Also, does this all depend on whether Heckman is still the School Board President?
At the club, my cronies are interested, and would like to join in the potential tax savings. No "flag pole" meets for us.....the meetings should be held at The Executive Club. Office attire. No red carnations. An educated "nod" will suffice.
The board has responded to this blog site already. Another thing you do not know. They just write by using anonymous. Another thing, the members of the board can get off the board if they do not like us. We have many other suitable people they can step up and take their places. Stop complaining and do not go on this blog site if it upsets you so. We would not want your health to deteriorate (spell check please).
$16 million is enough for anyone to get sick. This needs to be answered tonight. Whats up with all this money?
Hello Johnson and Johnson: You have a good idea!
SMOKEY THE BEAR SAYS GREAT AMERICAN COP OUT!!
WEE WHOOOOOOOOO, Someone that is on the radio right now sounds like the yes board member!
For those of you who plan on attending the meeting tonight, remember that in order for you to get your answers, you will need to do two things after asking your questions:
1) Shut your mouths
2) Listen
LAUGH NOW EVERYONE!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
...10:23
..."shut your mouths---& listen..."
Thanks for the vote of confidence, board blogger. Perhaps it's that particular attitude that promts few to attend, and many to rely on Al's personal contact via this site. Regardless, there's a local hardware store that sells duct tape. Perhaps they can set up a concession stand in front of the board room entrance. We may need a refresher course on how to apply said duct tape, and when it's proper to remove our gags. Just print out the instructions on a little, blue card. We'll figure out the rest.
Thanks!
how much does duct tape costs? With the rising taxes we might have to share a roll! See Ya!
For what we're paying in taxes, the duct tape should be served for free, little rolls arranged like appetizers on a cafeteria tray.
How about ear plugs, blinders, and duct tape? A complete picture....
sad to see we have such immaturity in the valley
If you can see that, you've take off your blinders....WITHOUT PERMISSION!
CUT US A BREAK, WE'VE GOT NEXT TO NOTHING LEFT TO LAUGH AT, SO IT MIGHT AS WELL BE THIS.
You aren't kidding.
Badda Bing!
The real sadness in this valley is watching overpaid teachers and staff force people out of their homes, do without medical, and eat cheap meals. Hope they're very proud of themselves.
I rest my case
Thank goodness! Now we can get back to business!
Sad to see we have such big shots in this valley, nobody else counts....
You may have rested your case, but nobody else did. Count on that.
Wow Heckmans face tonight was as red as my shirt. Boy ask any questions to this board and they all start squirming. Not like at a court case innocent before guilty, this board is quilty even before they start a meeting. If looks could speak. When are they going to give the public a tax break? When are they going to follow the laws of Pennsylvania?
To Mr. Johnson,
The offer on your $60,000 still stands. I'd guarantee it for 30 years. I can accomodate your cronies at the club also. Not familiar with your Executive Club but still willing to meet.
My best to the young Mrs. Johnson.
RR
King's Market Alert -
Don't forget to redeem your frequent shopper points at King's for your free frozen turkey.
Maybe if Mr. Jacobs will run for school board, he can single handedly lower taxes and put two turkeys in every pot.
To Member of the community @ 9:01
Thanks for the brilliant and concise report of the meeting tonight. You attack Mr. Heckman's appearance and accuse the rest of the board of being "guilty even before they start a meeting." Thank you truth keeper of the moral high ground. Good report.
1) Shut your mouths
2) Listen
Well that would be a first!
"We may need a refresher course on how to apply said duct tape, and when it's proper to remove our gags."
No instructions are needed! I'll be more than happy to volunteer to apply it. Your nonsense is getting old
"The real sadness in this valley is watching overpaid teachers and staff force people out of their homes, do without medical, and eat cheap meals. Hope they're very proud of themselves."
Oh yes, those teachers are utter scumbags just like the board members. I can't imagine why they're not imprisoned for their lack of humanity. Why don't you all teach them how to be perfect examples of humans?
It is a good accurate report. I did not see you there! Now the board says there is over $700,000 that has SHOWN up. How about giving that to the public in a form of a tax rebate check. Christmas is coming sure could use some of MY MONEY BACK.
Good evening Dale, Dr. and whoever else are writing the past hour of junk.
I thought the local hardware store closed. Wasn't there supposed to be a Chinese Restaurant opening there? Big news in Oley!
Dear Member of the Community,
You did not see many, but there were a few of us. An explaination was given by the Chair of the Budget & Finance Committee. But rather than post it, you choose to make it appear suspicious. What happened to the facts having something to do with what you write? If you don't understand the explaination, at least say that.
Dear Anonymous 10:14
So what WAS the explanation of the $16 million in fund balances? Surely you want us to know how everything is above board and above reproach.
Do tell.
You're hopping around. The amount in this discussion is $741,000.
RR:
The "young" Mrs. Johnson extends her merriest greetings of the soon to arrive Christmas holidays. Is it still permissable to say CHRISTMAS? I hear Wal-mart has re-introduced the money making phrase.
A guarantee of 30 years? Well, that sounds wonderful! Doubt that I'll live to be 95, who would want to? The little woman would only be 75, and she's a sports nut, she'll probably look great and feel almost human. Allow the two of us to ponder the thought.
If you're inclined to wander out of the Valley, you'll find the Executive Club located on 422, nestled between a few hundred banks. AKA Exeter Family Restaurant, I think. We still call it Manny's, but our own nickname is "The Executive Club." It's where we go to consule each other! Heartwarming therapy and a mother lode of cholesterol.
Well, it's long past the reasonable hour for snoozing.
Good night, and may God Bless!
P.S. I offer no apologies for the format of this script, nor it's length or content. Everything's relative!
Whatever the explaination is on this $741,000 the bottom line is that we did not need an increase last year in our taxes and now that you have this found money give it back to the ones that need it the most US THE TAXPAYERS!! What was Mr. Moser doing while here at $300+ a day? How can money like this just come up. Also whats up with the $16 million?
Money dosen't just "show up".
They received more revenue than anticipated, the $700K. Why is that difficult to understand? Things like this happen every day in government and business.
Are you sure you were at the meeting? Or were you too busy being nasty to listen to answers to your questions?
To Mr. Johnson,
Thanks for the insight regarding the "Executive Club". I'd like to stop by after the Thanksgiving holiday. I'm leaving today for sunny south Florida to spend some of my hard earned cash. Turkey season here is too cold and damp for me. I like my turkey served with a Gulf breeze and a rum drink.
Have a good holiday and my best to the young Mrs. Johnson.
Stay warm Oley Valley!
Regards, RR
Revenue or not bottom line again is that this district now has this money and we want it back. A tax increase could of been avoided last year. Send us a tax rebate check just in time for the holiday's and I am sure you would have the public all in smiles again. Right now the public has had enough of this current board. We have money tucked away in different funds or reserves and we want this $741,000 given back to the people that pay the bills. You are not handling the money of this district in the correct manner. Do what is right for a change.
Unanticipated revenue?
Back in my day, they rode away on a horse.
With newfound bucks totalling $741,000, now the seniors can get the solid gold wheel-chair lane on the new track.
A gold track for the seniors? I think they'd be happy to have the old gravel walking lane. After all, they only paid into this system their whole lives. Why start getting nice now, it would then be expected.
True, true, how about this thought: The board is going to give all the sports people, football, volleyball, track and maybe even the pool people money for their programs. Then they will not have to worry about 5 pro-football people trying to run for school board next year. I am sure Heckman and Gotwals are going to run AGAIN! Lets see term limits here. $741,000 can go for all these programs. The right thing is to give the public not just a select few a rebate.
It still makes sense for Oley Concerned Citizens to run 5 people. Between the Football people and OCC, that would probably draw enough votes away from the status quo, and provide a whole new beginning with the board.
The status quo needs to end. Lets take care of the children and the public the way that would benefit all not just a select few.
To 6:54 anonymous:
You are right, the $700K+ didn't just "show up" but it seems to be quite alot to come from unexpected revenue, especially just four months into the current fiscal year.
I am not getting into this debate because I wasn't at the meeting last night plus I don't have all the information on the various fund balances. Some of these funds cannot be used because, I believe, they are escrowed. Other funds are set- asides to pay current expenses and interest on outstanding bond obligations.
Don't you agree, however, that this matter could be put to rest if the board would take time out of their next meeting to thoroughly explain these funds,etc. and put this to rest once and for all?
Since next year will be very difficult to budget because of the implementation of Act 1, maybe the board has set aside enough surplus so that in that uncertain climate they will not have to raise taxes in 2007. If so, good for them.
you people aren't looking for answers...you're out for blood
Not get a tax increase in 2007? You know what, RS? If there was even a prayer of a possibility, and the board stated the business as such, IN PLAIN ENGLISH, a whole lot of taxpayers would feel a whole lot better. Even to hear that the board is considering something along that line, it would help for us to hear that. Some are doing great, many are only treading water, and some are on the titanic, taking on water, and it's frightening, to say the least. To heck with bashing the board. PLEASE, let's try to get things going in the right direction, all of us, all at the same time. It's not like we wake up in IRAQ every day. We're HERE. Make the best of it, but assure the board we're not resting easy on their practices. Their "track" record makes ice water run in our veins. It should not be like that, ever. SHAPE UP, AMERICA. Every way possible. All the way down to grass roots government.
Post a Comment