The Centralia High School Board will hold a Truth in Taxation hearing at its December meeting with a potential increase in the tax levy 6.5-percent higher than the collections from this year’s property tax bills.
The decision came after considerable discussion and if the district should limit their increase to 4.99-percent to avoid the truth in taxation hearing.
“Really different than what we’ve been in because in past years even when we’ve asked for 3 or 4 percent we knew we would only get 1 or two. Now that home values have increased so much it puts school districts in a tough spot. I think the 6.5% at least for now is fair and we can always go lower than that. Again having accurate numbers from other counties has proven to be challenging. I think in a few weeks maybe we will have better numbers. So maybe we are at 4.99 maybe 6.5 we will just see where the numbers go.”
The increase is based on Marion County having a 7-percent multiplier on property assessments for 2022. Lane says they have no firm information on changes in assessed valuations from Clinton, Washington, or Jefferson Counties. He notes the difference between the 4.99 and 6.5-percent increase is between $100,000 and $150,000 in additional revenue. Lane says that’s enough to pay a few teachers or buy supplies. The Truth in Taxation hearing is set for the start of the Centralia High School December board meeting on December 21st at four pm.
The board reviewed its annual audit. There were no findings and the district’s financial profile score improved to 3.45, the second highest. Lane noted the district has been seeing yearly improvements and could improve to financial recognition next year.
The board will join the city to honor the late Butch Border before Centralia’s first game in the Holiday Tournament. The school’s superfan and longtime school board member had a regular seat at basketball games that will be the center of the recognition. Plans are still being developed.
The board amended a State Board of Education-mandated policy to require excused absences for students who attend ‘civic events’ provided by non-profit organizations. There was concern about how to handle the abuse of the policy.
After attending the Illinois State School Board Association meeting in Chicago, Lane feels they are getting a very good deal on their upcoming solar energy project compared to schools in the northern part of the state.
The board approved 13 mid-year graduates.
