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UNION TWP. &mdash; In a virtual meeting on Thursday with most members sitting at separate tables in the high school library, the Northwest Area School Board approved a final budget for the 2020-21 school year that raises taxes to the maximum allowed by state law without getting either voter approval through a referendum or state approval for a narrow list of exceptions.
				Even with the increase the budget projects a shortfall, with about $19.8 million in spending against about $19.5 million in expenditures. The increase raises the property tax rate to 11.466 mills. A mill is a $1 tax for every $1,000 of assessed value.
				Before the vote, Superintendent Joseph Long said plans are underway to work out details on re-opening the schools this fall. A meeting is scheduled with the health and safety and the curriculum committees, a parent survey is underway and phone calls are being made to get input from stakeholders. 
				Long said the plan should be complete enough before the end of July &ldquo;to address all areas,&rdquo; including student transportation, entering buildings, flow of students through hallways, and the curriculum. Because the situation changes frequently and hinges on government guidance, he added, the planning is &ldquo;very fluid.&rdquo;
				The board also appointed BBD, LLP, as financial auditors for the 2019-20 school year at a cost of $22,500, and approved the agreement with the Luzerne Intermediate Unit for various services at a cost of $308,929.
				County Waste was approved to handle district trash removal at a cost o $11,780, and Irwin Seating Company was given the contract for the auditorium seating project at a cost of $153,532.

Northwest Area OKs budget with 3.5% property tax increase