The Lexington School Board adopted the budget and tax levy for the coming year at their Monday meeting. School Board president David Wheeler said that the resolution was at the request of the Mitchell School District.
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The school board will decide next Tuesday on the maximum amount it will consider at year’s end.
The highlight of tonight’s business will likely be the consideration of an IGA with Paradise Valley School District for online curriculum.
The decrease means the district will raise about $2 million less in local property taxes while the state’s contribution is expected to climb about $3 million.
The total levy is down almost $500,000 from last year’s $17.8 million tax levy, and the mill rate also declined 3.9 percent, or $0.40 from last year’s rate of $10.32. The percentage could fluctuate before next week’s board meeting when the full board will vote, said Ibrahima Diop, the district’s chief financial officer.
“This will probably happen one more year with the timing and alignment”, Spencer said.
He said the levy proceeds will go toward funding to meet goals in the district’s strategic plan.
“The effective tax rate is going down, but the valuation of their property is going up at a higher rate so they are seeing an increase in overall property taxes”, Lemer said.
Other local school boards throughout the state have also approved resolutions opposing the amendment.
Lexington’s enrollment grew by approximately 500 students since the 2000-2001 school year.
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But he voted with other board members to approve the 2016-17 budget Tuesday, he said, because of the improving financial picture, including revenue from the half-cent sales tax approved by voters past year. Heineman said it isn’t unusual to see an increase int he budget when enrollment increases.
