NESHANNOCK Budget plan calls for tax rise

The school board approved a pay increase for classified personnel.
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- A proposed budget in the Neshannock Area School District calls for a 1.5-mill tax increase.
The board of school directors tentatively adopted the near-$15 million 2004-2005 school year budget by a 6-3 vote Thursday.
Board members Mary Jo Coyne, Dr. John Dietz, Joseph Gierlach, James Kearney, Cheryl Kimmel and Jay Vitale voted for the budget. President Frank Rondinelli, Richard Canciello, and Tracy Stevenson voted no.
"I feel the budget is a little fat as well as the tax increase," Rondinelli said later. He said there is time to try to tighten up the budget, which will be on display until June 13.
The budget is about $1.5 million dollars higher than that of 2003-2004. Each mill of taxes generates about $591,000.
Pay increase
The board unanimously approved a 3.5 percent pay increase for classified staff, which covers secretaries, aides, playground supervisors, special education nurse, and assistant business manager.
It also approved a contract for installation of stadium lights to Cox & amp; Kanyuck Electric of Crawford County, which was the low bidder at $152,245.
In other business
The board:
UApproved the retirement of Robert Baker as technology instructor/coordinator, effective June 11. Baker has served the district more than 30 years.
UAppointed Atty. Jonathan Solomon as solicitor for the 2004-2005 school year at a rate of $100 per hour.
UAgreed to maintain board member Gierlach as treasurer for another term.
UAgreed to change next month's board meeting from June 10 to June 14 to allow for the required 30-day period for public review of the annual budget.