ATGLEN, PA — The Octorara Area School Board approved a $68.2 million budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year that includes property tax increases in both Chester and Lancaster counties and uses $1.3 million from the district’s fund balance to close a remaining deficit.
The board voted June 22 to raise property taxes by 2.6% for Chester County residents and 2.51% for Lancaster County residents after considering several options to address a projected $5 million budget shortfall.
The adopted budget projects $68.2 million in expenses against $63.2 million in revenue absent any local tax increase. District officials have also explored refinancing bond issues to generate additional savings…