Residents in the Brandon-Evansville School District will see an increase in their property taxes, but it isn't nearly the increase they saw last year. The district’s 2021 levy is increasing by 3.84% while the 2020 levy increased by 57.66%.

The increase was approved at the annual Truth in Taxation meeting Monday, Dec. 21.

The 2020 levy was $1,456,483, while the 2021 levy is set at $1,512,384 – an increase of $55,901 or 3.84%.

Superintendent Don Peschel said the levy was the maximum amount the district could approve.

The total levy is typically divided among the general fund, community service fund, general debt service and OPEB debt service, which is for retirement. This year, the money was divided between the general, community service and general debt service funds.

Here’s a look at the individual amounts:

• General fund levy – $810,872

• Community service fund levy – $37,085

• General debt service – $605,524

Thanked for their service

It was the last meeting for two school board members – David Anderson and Tim Lauthen. Superintendent Peschel thanked the men for their years of service.

Anderson, who has served as the board chairman for several years, has been on the board since 2004. Lauthen, the vice chairman, has served since 2011.

Two new members will be joining the school board, Rachel Wagner and Trent Froemming. During the November election, there were five candidates who vied for the four open positions. Incumbents Andy Siira and Kent Huisman were both re-elected and will remain on the board.

In other action

Besides approving the levy, school board members also approved the World’s Best Workforce Report, contract with Kami Dingwall as the C Squad Girls’ Basketball coach and a resolution establishing combined polling places, which Peschel said is standard procedure and that there are no special elections scheduled.