Avalon Taxes

Avalon officials cite revaluation for 1-cent drop in school taxes
By BRIAN IANIERI Staff Writer, (609) 463-6713
Press of Atlantic City
Published: Friday, March 24, 2006
Updated: Friday, March 24, 2006

AVALON — Avalon's school budget grew 3.1 percent, but the tax rate will drop 1-cent following a recent revaluation that made Avalon properties more expensive.

The $3.6 million budget means taxpayers will pay 3.4 cents per $100 of assessed value for school taxes.

A person with a home valued at $500,000 will pay about $171 in school taxes.

Avalon, with its valuable shore properties, underwent a revaluation that took effect this year.

The ratable base grew from $5.5 billion to $8.5 billion, according to Avalon's tax assessor's office.

Chief School Administrator David Rauenzahn said spending increased as Avalon pays debt service on the new school library, which opened last year. The school also has set money aside for capital improvements, including security upgrades, a sprinkler system and fencing at the school, he said.

“In spite of opening a new facility and the capital projects the board and the community want to achieve at the site, we have those budgeted and we were still able to bring it down a penny,” Rauenzahn said.

The district, which runs a K-8 program, projects it will have 83 students this fall.

Rauenzahn said Avalon will take out advertisements to get more enrollment in the borough's tuition program for out-of-town students. Out of town students pay $2,800 per year.

Avalon and neighboring Stone Harbor both accept tuition students.

Avalon has six tuition students; Stone Harbor has 15, said Rauenzahn, who serves as the chief school administrator for both districts.

Schools in island towns such as Avalon, Stone Harbor and Sea Isle City have few year-round residents and even fewer school-aged children.

Accepting tuition students has become more important following a state budget cap law that limits administrative spending and threatens schools with low enrollments.

“The school's got a good reputation, nice, small class size and quality education. Good teachers, programs, curriculum, test scores — they're all very positive, and that's what many parents are looking for,” Rauenzahn said.

The school budget faces a public vote April 18.

To e-mail Brian Ianieri at The Press:BIanieri@pressofac.com