By Tom Mark

New Tax To Impact School District

Mar 1, 2018 | 4:14 PM

The Vernon School Board has submitted its 2017-2018 amended budget to the Education Ministry.

Trustees Wednesday night gave final approval to the 102 million dollar amended budget bylaw.

Chair Kelly Smith says the District is in a good financial position.

“The budget is on track so all the financial risks such as average teacher salaries, students, including international student enrolment, and sick leave have all been mitigated so everything is on track in that budget.”

The district received more grants from the province this year because student enrolment was up.

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Okanagan at Drought Level 4 for fifth week

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Thunderstorm warning issued in the North Okanagan

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Heat warning issued for the Okanagan

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As it looks to next year’s budget and beyond, the board has to take into account the province’s new Employer Health Tax.

The tax is greater than the District’s MSP premiums by approximately 224 thousand dollars.

“That is directly related to the Employer Health Tax and how it’s going to unroll over the four year’s time. We’ll save money some years. We’ll get a big hit other year’s. You’ll notice in 2018/19 we get the big hit of 450 thousand,” says Smith.

That 450 thousand includes other things like inflation and unknown items that might come up.

Right now, the board is forecasting a budget deficit.

‘Yes, we have a shortfall, because of the 450 thousand dollar cost pressure. The projected deficit budget is 542 thousand.”

But Smith says it’s very early and that number will change, leading to a balanced budget by May 23rd.

A public input session will be held at Kalamalka Secondary School April 18th.

The board is also projecting enrolments will increase by 70 students next school year and an additional 100 students per year in each of the next two school years.

by Tom Mark