Zero Increase Trend Continues for Oceanport Taxpayers

The served up a budget for next year that will not increase the tax bill and maintains positions and services for the school district.

The $9.88 million total budget for 2012-2013 increased 1.2 percent or $119,245, according to School Superintendent Andrew Orefice, but it can be attributed to "positive things."

For instance, the district's revenue has increased through tuition from the preschool program and an increase in state and local grants, Orefice told Patch on Tuesday. Debt service also decreased about $117,000 when a past project was paid off in full this year.

Orefice said the School District also received an extra $49,000 in state aid, which the board used to offset any increases in the tax levy.

The tentative budget next goes to the executive county superintendent on March 12 and is then presented to the public at a March 22 hearing.