The Warren County R-III School Board voted to keep the district’s current tax levy at its present rate, rejecting a small increase that administrators had put forward for consideration. Most board …
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The Warren County R-III School Board voted to keep the district’s current tax levy at its present rate, rejecting a small increase that administrators had put forward for consideration.
Most board members said the increase would put more burden on taxpayers at a time when many already are struggling financially.
During a special hearing Aug. 31, the board voted 4-2 in favor of keeping the tax levy at its current rate of $3.9709 per $100 of assessed valuation.
The district had advanced for board consideration an increase of 5.75 cents that would yield an additional $149,212 in revenue for the district, or $26,000 for each cent raised.
Board members David Housewright and Scott Costello voted against the motion to keep the levy at its current rate. Bill Hawley was not present.
The school district’s current budget approved earlier in the summer was based on the current tax levy rate, chief financial officer Pam Frazier confirmed.
“I know that the district certainly could use the additional money from an increase,” said Board Vice President Dale Schowe.
Referring to the major capital projects the district has undertaken recently such as the new turf field and reconstruction of sidewalks and parking areas, Schowe added, “I think the repercussions of raising the rate far outweigh the short-term financial gains.
“Every little bit helps in today’s environment.”
Board member Jan Sutherland agreed with Schowe.
“A lot of people are struggling, and we should be responsive,” she said.
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 schools in August of each year.
During the public hearing Aug. 31, no patrons were present to speak on the issue during the meeting.
Costello said he disagreed with the vote to maintain the tax levy at its current level, citing worsening state funding scenarios that will put more strain on local district finances.
“State funding of schools is expected to deteriorate in the years ahead and it’s going to be harder and harder to replace that revenue,” Costello said. “We’re going to need that $149,000 for something. We’re going to have to make hard decisions, knowing that our mandates aren’t going to lessen.”
Each year, the tax rate is determined by dividing the amount of revenue allowed by the current assessed valuation. The result is multiplied by 100 so the tax rate will be expressed in cents per $100 valuation.
