The Pella School Board started the budgeting process for the next fiscal year at their meeting Monday.

They scheduled a public hearing on March 26th to finalize spending limits for the next year and send a budget to the County Auditor’s Office by April 16th. The board heard a presentation of the district’s financial position as well as reviewed a property tax comparison over the past five years.

A resolution was approved to increase the levy on property taxes by five cents per $1000 of valuation, with the goal of eventually matching the current year’s rate depending on how the state legislature votes on a range of issues. According to administration, most people will actually pay lower rates in 2019, even with an increase in the levy.

The district also learned they qualified for the state’s 101% budget guarantee after a slight decline in certified enrollment was reported in October, and they approved a resolution to levy a $109,611 increase on taxes. Superintendent Greg Ebeling says that low state supplemental aid numbers raise property taxes for schools on the guarantee to make up the difference.

The board also set the total salary and benefit package increase at 2.37% for teachers and an additional one-time $200 payment. Support staff also received a 2.37% increase, and administrators will get a 2.3% raise. The board approved Superintendent Greg Ebeling’s 2018-19 contract as well, which included a 2.3% compensation bump as well. The board deliberated extensively about administration compensation with potential staff cuts looming, but ultimately decided to maintain raises similar to staff for the upcoming year. Board President Joan Corbin additionally noted Ebeling’s reputation in the state and is thankful for his continued work in the district.