School levy up less than 1 percent

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Residents in School District 206 will see an increase in the district’s tax levy this year. But the increase will be small.

Trevor Peterson, District 206 business manager, presented the information to board members at Monday night’s regular school board meeting.

The board approved the preliminary 2010 payable 2011 school tax levy of $7.789 million – an increase of .94 percent (less than 1 percent) over last year’s levy, which was $7.717 million.

Peterson told school board members that changes to the proposed tax levy can still be made through September 30. However, it can only be decreased, not increased.

The .94 percent increase in the levy was set, which was the maximum amount the school district can approve at this time, and approved by the board members.

The levy won’t be finalized, however, until December.

Tax statements should be mailed sometime in November, although the amounts are preliminary.

Actual tax statements will be mailed next spring and may include changes. The school’s tax levy is only one piece of the puzzle that determines a property owner’s tax.

Here are a few other factors that may increase or decrease taxes:

•Change in county levy (proposed 0 percent).

•Change in city levy proposed 8 percent increase).

•Change in township levy (varies from township to township).

•Change in school district levy (proposed .94 percent increase).

•Change in market value of parcel.

•Change in homestead determination.

The 2010 levy is certified at the levy limit allowed by the state Legislature and is subject to change.

Over the past two years, the district’s levy has increased an average of 4.1 percent, according to Peterson.

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