The Wright City R-II School Board Aug. 22 approved a slight increase in the school district’s property tax levy.The board voted 7-0 to increase the tax rate for 2013-2014 to $4.2035 per $100 assessed valuation, up 1 cent from the 2012-2013 rate of $4.1934.The vote was held during a special public tax levy hearing, immediately preceding the district’s regular school board meeting.There were no public comments.“Our tax rate for operations calculates out at $3.1065, and the rate for debt is $1.587, but we need only $1.097, so we recommend a voluntary rollback of 49 cents on the debt,” said Superintendent Dr. Chris Gaines.Total assessed value for residential, agriculture, commercial and personal property in 2013 was projected at $177,045,432 for Warren and Lincoln counties, compared to $177,168,449 for 2012.School districts are required to set their levy on or before Sept. 1, following the state auditor’s approval of the Board of Equalization valuations received by the district each year in August.Other ActionIn separate action, the school board voted 4-3 to recommit to its platinum-level ($5,000) annual membership in the Greater Warren County Economic Development Council.Dissenting votes were cast by board President Alice Klem and members Laura Marsh and Melissa Springmeyer.Board Vice President Austin Jones cited the need for the district to be involved in the area’s drive for economic growth, jobs and the voting-level benefit of the platinum membership.Klem reiterated her position on the matter from last year’s vote, saying that she believes the money should be spent on students and classroom programs.R-II School Board approves increase in school district’s property tax levy