Gilman school tax rate projected to plummet
Gilman residents will see a decrease in their property taxes this coming year from a $10.65 tax rate per $1,000 of equalized value to a $8.16 per $1,000 of equalized value. This is a $2.49 decrease on a $1,000 property value from their projected levy rate.
During the annual meeting of the Gilman School District on Oct. 3, Superintendent Walter Leipart explained to the community members what they should anticipate for the upcoming year.
“We are projecting a balanced budget for the year of $4,399,858 with a $4,163 surplus,” Leipart said.
Due to the increase in enrollment this year, the revenue limit will increase for the second year in a row. The limit does continue to decrease every year, but it will decrease $40,000 less than what the district had anticipated. These numbers may change once the state authorizes the aid on October 15. Revenue limit does not include funding from federal sources. The revenue limit is estimated to be set at $4,399,858 which is a $188,238 decrease from what was projected prior to referendum.
The local property tax is going to go down from $431,245 to $400,000 like was originally thought. This is in correlation with declining enrollment.
During the referendum, the tax levy was projected to be $9.65, which is still a decrease from the previous year of $10.65. This year the final levy rate that is anticipated is $8.16, that is much lower than what was anticipated even during the referendum. With that being said, community members still may see fluctuation in their property tax amounts due to the increase in equalized value from $261 million to $288 million.
Funds 21 and 27, Special Projects, are anticipated to go up due to the increase of Special Ed costs and services. There are now ten additional Individualized Education Plans (IEP’s) during this school year.
Food service funds will increase now that the district is going back to paid meals this year. If needed, funds can be transferred from the general fund balance to cover the cost.
Community service fund will be used to implement new sand volleyball courts where the tennis courts used to be.
Community member Fred Romig asked the board “Would there be alcoholic beverages served for outside community events?”
Leipart said “Being that it is school property no, however the board and I have talked about considering a variance to policy for special events for groups who would like to rent out the space for events. Right now the policy is no alcohol of any kind.”
The tax levy as presented was approved by the board and community members.
Community member, Lynn Skabroud asked if meeting information could be posted on the District’s Facebook page.
Leipart said, “Typically districts who put other things on about board meetings have opened themselves up to a lot of negative responses. Once the information is out there, we can’t take it off, so that is why we try to stay clear of Facebook for meeting information. We try to use Facebook as a tool to focus on the students. We could look into the possibility of putting news publications out on the website to invite people to come to these meetings so they know what is going on with their children and within the district.”
In other business: The electors approved:
• The meeting minutes from the October 4, 2021 annual meeting.
• Authorization of the board to furnish a school lunch program and appropriate funds for that purpose.
• Authorization of the board to contract for student transportation services.
• Authorization of the board to furnish student textbooks.
• Authorization of the payment of actual and necessary expenses of board members incurred in the performance of their duties.
• Authorization and provide the prosecution or defense of any legal action or proceedings in which the school district is interested.
• Authorization of the sale of surplus school property.
• Board members salaries are set at $2,400 for the President, $2,800 for the Clerk, and $2,200 for other board members.
• Next year’s annual meeting is set for October 2, 2023 at 7 p.m.
