Loss in state aid means higher levy
Cuts of 3.37 percent do not cover entire gap
Whitefish Bay — The School Board adopted its 2009-2010 budget and less than a dozen residents voted to adopt the tax levy at the district's budget hearing and annual meeting Sept. 2.
The budget of $37,794,578 requires a levy of $20,147,419. The tax rate for the school district is $10.08 per $1,000 of assessed value, up from the 2008-2009 rate of $9.58 per $1,000 of assessed value.
For the owner of a house assessed at $400,000, taxes would increase from $3,833 a year ago to $4,003, according Director of Business Services Shawn Yde.
Yde explained the district budget decreased 3.37 percent or $1,480,541 from a year ago, but the levy increased 5.61 percent or $1,069,904. The district lost $1,265,371 in aid, 11.48 percent. Taxpayers will help cover part of the loss.
Comments on the spending plan were limited. Mike Braun, a critic of the district's spending, questioned the administrative staff increases approved by the board this summer and asked the board for a plan to address $21 million in unfunded liability costs. He also challenged District Administrator James Rickabaugh to stop doing 20 days a year of paid consulting and devote all of his time to the local schools.
"Dr. Rickabaugh, you receive a generous salary of $167,000 a year and a $6,000 a year car allowance," Braun said. "In addition, Whitefish Bay taxpayers pay you for 20 days a year to do paid consulting for others."
Braun suggested Rickabaugh give his consulting fees to the district.
School Board President Marie Greco praised Rickabaugh's leadership and work. She said the district agreed to allow Rickabaugh to do consulting when it hired him and that his consulting work provides him with insights and knowledge that he brings back to Whitefish Bay.
"I would never ask him that (to return the consulting fees)," she said. "He is a gift."
Braun's comments about Rickabaugh drew a spirited rebuke from another resident, Nancy LeGrand, who said Rickabaugh is highly respected in educational circles.
"Dr. Rickabaugh does a lot for this school district," LeGrand said. "I resent any discussion that he is overpaid."
Flooding hits the North Shore
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