Posted: June 23, 2009

West Allis — The West Allis-West Milwaukee School District tax levy would rise 6.3 percent under a proposed budget presented to the School Board this week.

Under the preliminary budget presented publicly Monday, the tax levy would rise from $43.2 million to $45.9 million to support a total budget of $104.3 million. The budget was $101.5 million last year.

Residents would pay $9.07 per $1,000 of equalized property value under the proposed budget, up from $8.54 last year.

Likely changes

The final budget will not be passed until October and will likely change in the coming weeks. The district's annual meeting in September will give residents a chance to weigh in on the budget.

Business Services Director Deb Rouse said the budget will have to be altered based on the outcome of the state budget.

"This is just a snapshot and it will change," Rouse said.

However, due to tough economic conditions and a huge state deficit, it probably won't get a whole lot better.

State revenue problems

District officials blamed the levy increase on a proposed 3.1 percent cut in aid for school districts. Without the reduction, the district's levy would increase about 3.4 percent, Rouse said.

The school district's budget shortfall was projected at $1.16 million based on the state's funding formula for schools, but the 3.1 percent decrease in state aid would bring the deficit up to $2.3 million, according to district figures.

Besides the aid cut, administrators are fearful of other aspects of the state's proposal. Legislators have proposed limits on the Open Enrollment program, and a repeal of the qualified economic offer, which holds down teachers' contracts, is likely.

A state conference committee was scheduled to meet this week to work out differences between the Senate and Assembly versions of the budget.