Onalaska School Board passes budget, property taxes might drop

The 2018-19 budget for the School District of Onalaska is almost complete.

The over $17.7 million budget was unanimously approved at this week’s school board meeting.

The work will begin shortly on the next budget, with trying to figure out the next insurance package, which is a big decision according to Superintendent Fran Finco.

“Our budget is 56 percent salaries and 23 percent benefits,” he said. “So, health insurance, as a benefit is important to retain and attract good people.”

Finco added that part of the budget wouldn’t be as necessary if the state would do its job.

“They’ve never been where they promised us where they would be for a number of years now,” he said. “Part of our budget is to transfer out $3.8 million to the special ed. fund.”

Finco says they are still waiting on information that could affect the tax levy, but things are looking good.

Some information has yet to be collected, but Finco said the tax levy is projected to decrease from $9.65 to $9.18 per 1,000 dollars of property value.