Chichester residents approved a $6,520,535 school budget Saturday morning – an increase of just under 1% from last year’s budget.
In a quiet, sparsely attended meeting at the Chichester Central School voters approved the budget 50-2, according to school board vice chairwoman Brianne Stone.
The budget increase means residents will face tax increase of 45 cents per $1,000 of assessed property valuation – an increase of 2.9% – bringing the town’s total tax burden to $16.06 per $1000.
That level keeps Chichester at the higher end of town-by-town property tax burdens in New Hampshire, according to data from the Department of Education. The increase came despite a projected revenue increase of 14% – brought about in part by additional per-pupil adequacy aid approved by the Legislature.
Residents did not approve any additional spending via warrant articles other than the budget.
Part of the modest $62,747 rise in the budget is due to an $80,383 total increase in teacher salaries and an $81,833 in health insurance, dental insurance and other benefits. But the district also saved $150,670 in tuition payments to Pembroke Academy and other districts due to a smaller class size.