District presents $150 million 2024–25 budget, cites 2.9% tax-rate change and $4.2M in capital work

Anthony Lofanko presented the Morris School District’s public hearing on the proposed 2024–25 budget, saying the district plans a $150,000,000 operating budget that “includes a 2.9% of the tax increase, bringing our full tax levy to a $103,000,000.” He told the board that roughly 72% of the budget pays salaries and benefits and that the district is planning about $4,200,000 in capital improvements, including renovations, electrical upgrades and air conditioning work at the high school and security camera replacements across the district.

Lofanko also outlined the local consequences of a recent property revaluation. He said the revaluation shifted an estimated 7% of the tax levy between town and township and that the average Morristown assessed home (which he cited as $635,000) would see an estimated decrease of $229 under the new rate, while an average township assessment (cited as $560,000) would see an estimated decrease of $147. “That’s what I have. Any questions before?” he asked at the end of his presentation.

The board discussed using banked cap to help cover parts of the budget and the district’s plan to split available banked cap roughly 30% for operations and 70% for capital reserve. A board representative said talking points will be prepared for members who represent Morristown to address resident inquiries after an earlier estimated-tax letter contained incorrect information.

Why it matters: The budget hearing sets the parameters for final approval, shows priorities (payroll and facilities), and outlines the district’s plan to use reserves for capital work. The board was told the budget would fund several facility upgrades and that communications to residents will be updated to correct prior confusing estimates.

What’s next: The budget appears on the board’s business-agenda motions for approval; the board proceeded through related grouped business motions later in the meeting.