Dear Families,
A relatively new state law requires county auditors to annually mail city, county, and school district property tax rate proposals to local taxpayers in late March, before the budget process for the upcoming fiscal year is complete.
Many of you should have already received this notice, and we have received some questions from community members. Specifically, there has been concern about a possible 14.4% increase to the district’s property tax rate, as indicated in the notice.
I want to stress that this is a hypothetical example, as the state mandates that ECSD use a 10% increase in assessed valuation when calculating the levy. This increase produces the 14.4% example rate, which by no means do we anticipate.
We have a history of respecting the needs of our property taxpayers, evident by the fact that ECSD’s cumulative tax levy rate has declined by 12.9% since 2011. However, the state legislature’s proposed 2% increase for State Supplemental Aid to school districts is below the rate of inflation and will not adequately support our operating needs.
I also want to note that the new budget and any potential changes in the property tax rate are not related to the recently unsuccessful attempts to have voters approve a debt levy rate increase or a bond referendum for a new elementary school
The district’s public hearing about the proposed property tax levy is scheduled for 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 27, at the Central Office Board Room. Community members are invited to attend and provide feedback. You are also welcome to contact me in advance if you have questions about the district’s property tax rate and budgeting process.
The development of our budget is not complete, and many decisions still must be made.
Following the public hearing, the School Board will continue to work toward finalizing the 2025-26 budget. This will be posted in the Reporter Democrat the week of April 10, and it will be the final tax rate for the district.
The district will certify its budget at a board meeting on April 23.
Sincerely,
Cory Jenness
Superintendent