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BoE OKs record $164 million budget

By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@TheCitizenNews.com

With little fanfare, the Fayette County Board of Education unanimously approved a record $164 million general fund budget Monday night.

Finance Director Lee Davis told the board this year’s budget is $8.2 million more than last year’s, and that most of the increase is attributed to teachers’ raises and new personnel.

The good and bad news for Fayette taxpayers is that the tax digest grew by 6 percent.

The good part is that Davis anticipates the general millage rate will be slightly lower this year.

The bad part is that much of the digest increase is the result of increased valuations of existing properties. Thus, even a static tax rate will result in higher tax bills for property owners.

The increase in the digest helped the county overcome a $4.75 million loss in funds from the state due to austerity reductions.

The county now foots the bill for 51 percent of the budget, while the state contributes 49 percent.

“It used to be a 60-40 split with the state paying the majority costs,” Davis added.

Included in this year’s budget is the hiring of 43 teachers, seven and a half custodians and six bus drivers. Davis also noted the system funds fine arts programs more than neighboring counties, and has also managed to keep small class sizes.

Superintendent of Education John DeCotis thanked all the staff for their work, and said this year’s budget process was the work of several workshops, involving the school system’s staff and department heads.