WESTFALL, PA — Meeting a week early to allow time for final alterations in June, the directors of the Delaware Valley School District on May 12 agreed to a proposed final budget of $78,139,586, meaning no tax increase and an unchanged rate of 108.19 Mills.

Business Manager Bill Hessling recommended a .68% increase in April and the board reached consensus on .61% increase on May 5. But on the 12th, the board majority did not support the increase and approved the 0% increase plan. After a 30-day public review, the board must approve a final version before June 30.

The zero increase comes despite a $1.85 million estimated shortfall last fall and a $2.75 million increase in expenditures. It counts on expected increases in state aid from a still incomplete state budget, local assessments and collection of delinquent taxes. Hessling said the proposal contains no program cuts and a $50,000 reduction in the district’s budget reserve.

The budget is available on the district website and the board is expected to finalize the budget on June 16 at 6:30 p.m.