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PUBLISHED: Sunday, March 4, 2007
New Lothrop eyes Headlee override

Ed board to decide on non-homestead ballot proposals to restore funds


NEW LOTHROP - Stable enrollment and sound financial management have helped keep the New Lothrop Area Public Schools in the black but anticipated cuts in state aid jeopardize the district's budget status.

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A special meeting of the board of education is set for Monday at 5 p.m. in the high school media center to discuss whether the district will ask voters for a Headlee override on non-homestead property within the district.

Non-homestead taxes impact businesses, rental property and second homes, but not principal residences, qualified agricultural and forest property.

Voters approved the full 18-mill levy through 2013, but a Headlee Amendment rollback has reduced the non-homestead tax to 15.7108 and will cost the district $18,136 this fiscal year.

"The problem is that it compounds," explained Superintendent John Strycker. "Last year it was $17,273 and it could be as high as $20,000 next year."

Strycker said the board's approach, if they okay one or both of the ballot questions to be considered Monday, is to let the district voters decide. "We're presenting these as an option for voters. If they were to say no we will have to find other ways to save money."

The district already has budgeted to an expected $80 per pupil reduction in state aid this year. Strycker projects the budget will finish with roughly a 1 percent deficit $60,000 to $70,000. However, the 2007-08 picture is not as rosy. "We could face a deficit of between $100,000 and $170,000 if per pupil state aid is flat, as we anticipate it will be," said the superintendent.

Under consideration are two proposals:

  • a request for 2.2892 mills that would restore the full 18-mill non-homestead levy;

  • a request for 5 mills. This proposal would create a "bank" of mills that would guarantee that 18 mills could be levied for the remainder of the bond issue in 2013.




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