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School board members, last Monday, voted unanimously to place a single question on the ballot asking district voters to restore 2.2892 mills. Board president Rob Warner and secretary Laura Birchmeier were absent. Officials are asking voters to okay a 5-mill levy to ensure against future rollbacks under the Headlee Amendment.

Superintendent John Strycker explained that the non-homestead levy is capped at 18 mills and is levied only on businesses, rental property and second homes within the district. He said that only enough millage would be levied to restore the full 18 mills previously approved by voters.

Voters approved the full 18-mill tax through 2013, but the rollback has reduced it to 15.7108 mills. That calculates to a loss of $18,136 this fiscal year, according to Strycker.

"The problem is that it compounds," Strycker told board members recently. "Last year it was $17,273 and it could be as high as $20,000 next year."

Faced with an uncertain future in regards to state aid, the district is exploring every possible avenue to generate revenue.

"Our feeling is to let the district voters decide," said Strycker. "This is a levy that has already been approved and it does not impact primary homes, but we are consensus of the fact it does has implications for our local businesses."

The district already anticipated a reduction in the per pupil allowance from the state of some $80 and expects to finish the fiscal year with roughly a 1 percent deficit ($60,000 to $70,000) on a total of $6 million. However, the 2007-08 school year deficit could rise to between $100,000 and $170,000. Strycker explained the board of education wants to be pro-active in advance of a financial crisis.

The 5 mills would create a "bank" of mills that would ensure the full 18-mills of non-homestead taxes can be levied through 2013, according to Strycker.