Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter announced on Thursday the launch of a new interactive website that enables city residents to calculate property tax increases under the proposed FY16 budget.
Mayor Nutter's proposal to boost investment in Philadelphia schools would cost the typical homeowner $104 per year, or less than 30 cents a day. The added tax revenue would be used to add more teachers, reduce class sizes, help expand arts, music, and after school activities, and provide social, emotional, and behavioral health support to students in need.
“We have an obligation to provide Philadelphia’s children with a high-quality education that prepares them for college and career. Our kids deserve a fair chance at a successful future, but they won’t get it with insufficient school funding. That’s why I proposed an increased investment in education of $105 million in annual, recurring funding,” said Mayor Nutter.
The proposed property tax increase forms part of a total $264.7 million investment planned with the support of Governor Tom Wolf.
The website, located at http://schoolfunding.phila.gov, provides detailed breakdowns of property tax increases, total amounts owed under the proposed budget, and how the added dollars will be allocated to local schools.
“This easy to use, informative website lets property owners see how local schools plan to put that new funding to good use, like hiring back teachers and support staff or purchasing much needed supplies and equipment," Mayor Nutter said. "I want to encourage every Philadelphian to log on and see how the proposed tax increase will affect them and how the District proposes to use those funds.”