FINAL PUBLIC INFORMATION SESSION - MONDAY, OCTOBER 28 - 6:00 PM - sths auditorium
Why does STSD Need Your Vote to Increase the EIT?
The district is proposing an increase in the Earned Income Tax (EIT) to address our growing student enrollment and fund a new school building. Currently, we have 20 modular classrooms due to insufficient capacity in our existing facilities. Our reliance on fluctuating real estate tax increases, which generate around $800,000 annually due to a stagnant tax base and small geographical footprint, is inadequate to meet our needs. To support the new school’s debt, we require an additional $4 million each year, a sum our current tax increases cannot provide. Increasing the EIT would reduce our dependence on real estate tax hikes and help secure the funds needed for the new school. Without this increase, students will continue to use modular classrooms, and we may need to add more to manage enrollment growth until we can afford the new debt. We are acquiring 42 acres for the new school, but construction will be delayed until we can ensure we have the financial capacity to repay the debt.
Dr. Tamara Willis, Superintendent
STSD is seeking a change in the local taxation structure. What is STSD looking to do?
- Eliminate the School Occupation Tax - $270 per person.
- Increase the Earned Income Tax (EIT) by 0.60% - This tax is usually withheld via individual paychecks throughout the year (weekly, bi-weekly, bi-monthly, etc.).
- Susquehanna Township citizens' simple majority vote is required via the November 5, 2024, Ballot to pass.
- If the proposed changes are voter-approved on November 5, 2024, STSD Board of Directors will consider eliminating both the School Per Capita Tax and the School Residence Tax - $10.00 per person.
Current State of Modulars at Elementaries
Sample Concepts for New Elementary School
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Who must pay the school EIT tax?
- How is the school EIT paid?
- If I am 70 years old or older does the increased EIT rate apply to my wages?
- Who must pay the school occupation tax?
- How is the school occupation tax paid?
- Are there any exemptions from paying the school occupation tax for Susquehanna Township residents between the ages of 18 and 70 years old that earn more than $5,000?
- Will the increased EIT rate apply to social security and retirement income (pension)?
- Is business income subject to the increased EIT rate?
- Is net profit from a business subject to the increased EIT rate?
- How will my employer know to withhold the new EIT rate?