By John Chambless
Staff Writer

In stark contrast to some past years, the Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board presented the details of their 2018-19 budget on May 7 to a nearly empty meeting room.

The lack of public interest in a 1.64 percent tax increase for next year reflects the small size of the proposal, but the district's Power Point presentation nevertheless explained every aspect of the budget. For two and a half hours, the board heard the history of the district's budget and the reasons for the expenditures for the coming year.

As presented, the budget fully funds the educational program, continues the rollout of new technology and upgrades to existing wiring, and keeps pace with the district's 10-year capital plan. The total revenues for the district are projected to be $87,093,540, with total expenditures of $87,103,529, a deficit of $9,989 that is not a concern at this early stage.

The district is setting a millage rate of 28.51 mills in Chester County, and 25.15 in Delaware County. That reflects a slight .35 percent increase in Chester County over last year's figures. The average homeowner in Chester County will see the current bill of around $191 increase by $26.61 in the coming year, according to the district's estimates. Over the past 18 years, the average percent change in the millage has been 3.64 percent.

The board members and administration seem satisfied with the budget figures as proposed. Any modifications will be made this week, and the final proposed budget will be voted on by the board on May 14 at their work session in the District Office. There will be a public inspection copy of the budget posted online (www.ucfsd.org) on or before May 29. The final budget will be voted on at the board's June 18 meeting in the District Office.

The video of the entire May 7 budget presentation to the board, and all district information, is available at www.ucfsd.org.

To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email [email protected].