At a meeting Thursday night, the Homer-Center School Board approved the 2023-24 budget, but final approval came after the first vote on the budget failed.
With eight board members present, the first vote for the budget that contained a 4% tax increase was tied, failing to pass. Board member Dan Fabin then proposed adopting a budget with a 3.5% tax increase, but then later voted against his motion. Fabin said that Business Manager Gregg Kalemba showed that the Homestead-Farmstead exemption actually increased over the last year.
On second consideration, Fabin changed his vote to yes, making it 5-3 in favor of the budget with the 4% tax increase. Emily Ayers, Gerald Bertig and Michael Bertig voted against the budget. The final budget came to $19,795,119.
In other business, this was the final meeting for longtime secretary Rhonda Clifford. She said she has served the district for 25 years and five superintendents. She said that loved the district, calling it both a family and a community.
Erin Collins will take over as district secretary next month.
