An inevitable tax increase is in store for residents within the Quakertown Community School District, the question is - how much of an increase?

        According to the district's business manager, Bob Riegel, the 2016-17 preliminary budget discussed at the Thurs., Jan. 14 school board meeting will likely see a 4.53 percent increase in real estate taxes. The nearly $108 million budget could reflect a $178 real estate tax increase per month for the average taxpayer.

        Although the final budget adoption will come in June 2016, residents should expect a hike of some sort. According to Riegel, the preliminary budget is a starting point and the 4.53 percent increase is a "ceiling" that the district will not go above.

        "The largest pressures (of the budget) are debt services and PSERS (Public School Employees Retirement System)," district Superintendent Dr. William Harner explained. Harner also noted the district receives state reimbursement for PSERS of up to half the total amount.

        The 2016-17 budget numbers currently show total revenue at $99.1 million and expenditures at $107.8 million. The current millage rate is 149.73 with a proposed increase to 156.51 or 4.53 percent.

        The budget numbers, as discussed by Riegel and Harner, reflect savings through line items such as charter school expenses as Riegel explained, "We have brought students back to the district which shows cost savings."

        Also, savings are noted in transportation costs as the development of the hub system and redistricting become evident.

        Riegel also noted, the completion of a bond issue in 2017 for the high school renovation project will change budget numbers in the future, currently an increase in expenditures is seen.

        Because of the recent facilities study completed by the Schradergroup of Philadelphia on all school buildings, $2 million will be set aside for such repair projects that could include freshmen center parking and playgrounds at the elementary schools, Riegel noted.

        "We haven't had a strategic plan on facilities before and on January 19 we will hear recommendations on projects," Harner said.

        "This really is just a starting point for the budget. There are several different ways to get the numbers down," board vice president Charles Shermer said.

        "It's hard to believe we could have a budget that would see no tax increase. I'd like to show the community there is a reason why there's a tax increase. Maybe it's too much to ask but why can't we show budget numbers to the community with no tax increase so they can see where cuts would be made? I'm not saying we'd pass that budget. Just be able to show residents how it would look so they can understand the process better," board member Ron Jackson said.

        Shermer added, a zero percent budget would likely mean a 4 percent cut in salaries. Other school programs would also see cuts if a zero percent tax increase budget were passed. "A valid goal is no tax increase, a couple of years down the road when the high school renovation is done perhaps."

        A unanimous vote was taken during the meeting in favor of the preliminary budget for 2016-17.

        In other business, Harner took time out during the meeting to recognize several students for their achievements.

        Upper Bucks County Technical School student of the month, Joseph Heller received a certificate for his success and knowledge as a third-year auto technology student. Heller was named student of the month for November. He was the only student to take the Emissions test for which he passed and is studying for his PA State Inspection Test with adult education students at night. He plans to take the inspection test this month.

        Students who were also recognized with certificates were first team all-league and all state fall sport athletes: Becky Gerhart and Emma McLaughlin for field hockey; Rob Burns, Kyle Baskin, Gavin Caroff, Noah Wood, and Jake Bovard for football. McLaughlin was also noted to be first team all-state and Bovard as second team all-state.