Despite advice from its business administrator, Upper Perkiomen School board voted Thursday night to approve a $70.431 million proposed budget for the 2021-22 school year with a two percent tax increase. Members Raeann Hofkin and Keith McCarrick voted against the action item, which would generate an additional $700,000.

            If the members approve the final budget at that rate in June, the median property owner in Montgomery County would pay an additional   $81.05. A Berks County property owner would owe an additional $31.62.  At that rate, a $3.783 million transfer would be necessary to cover a budget shortfall.

            Sandra Kassel, the district's business administrator, expressed concern about the level of fund balance the board is planning on using. She said the district has never attempted to utilize that amount of reserve funds before.

            Previously, Kassel recommended that the school board approve a 3.7 percent tax hike, the highest allowed by the state index, which would require a $3.1 million transfer to cover a projected shortfall. On Thursday, she told the members that administrators would work to reduce the expenses before the budget is scheduled to be approved on June 17.

            Prior to the vote, board President Melanie Cunningham announced that the two percent tax increase was not recommended by the board's Finance Committee. She said additional information was necessary before the committee could offer an endorsement for a specific rate.