BUFFALO TWP — Delinquent taxpayers in the Freeport Area School District could have their names published on the district’s website, along with the amounts they owe, if the school board approves publicizing the information.

The district is owed $1.4 million in delinquent taxes, says Bradley Walker, director of finance and operations.

At a school board meeting Wednesday, June 5, board president Gary Risch Jr. said the district is under “a lot of pressure” from the public to make progress in recovering the funds.

If the plan is approved next week, Walker said delinquent taxpayer information would be published once the district obtains updated listings from tax offices in Armstrong and Butler counties.

The discussion comes as the board prepares to approve its 2024-25 budget, which includes a deficit of $688,340, which Walker said will be covered by the district’s fund balance. After its preliminary budget was approved in May, Walker said rising health care costs, contractual salary increases and the rising cost of utilities, transportation, supplies and out-of-district placements contributed to the deficit.

John Pallone, of Buffalo Township, addressed the board, expressing concern over publishing names of delinquent taxpayers on the district’s website, because some of those named could be parents of students.

“We shouldn’t be trying to embarrass people like that,” Pallone said. “It offends me, and I pay my taxes. I understand people don’t — some people can’t for one reason or another — but both counties have a delinquent tax credit bureau and (those bureaus) are already charged with that mission.”

“As folks have already all said, our one priority is our students,” he added. “And their parents’ names are going to be on the website. I don’t want to embarrass kids. I don’t want to embarrass families.”

Board director Sylvia Maxwell echoed Pallone’s concern over the potential social impact on students whose parents’ or family members’ names would be listed on the website.

“I’m not saying we have the votes and we’re going to agree to do this, but something has to be done,” Risch said in response to Pallone. “Just to show that we’re trying to do something and trying to recoup some of these (funds). I see where you’re coming from, and I do know there are people that have some hardships out there.”

“I don’t think these (delinquent taxpayers) are those people,” board director Christine Davies interjected.

“Bottom line is that, as a district, we’re trying to save as much money as we can, and nobody likes to raise taxes,” Risch said. “There’s a lot of money owed to the district, and I believe there’s a lot of people out there who don’t have hardships and are just not paying their taxes ... right now, I don’t know if we have enough votes to go ahead and do that, but it does send a message to the public that we are looking to do something.”

Board directors, including Risch and Walker, said delinquent taxpayers have been given ample time and notice by county tax assessment officers to get on a payment plan.