Marion Independent School District likely to hold line on property tax rate

MARION - The Marion Independent School District most likely will be able to hold the line on property taxes for the 2016-17 school year, according to preliminary budget information presented at a school board work session this week.

District business manager John Donner told school board members Monday that growth in supplemental state aid of either 2 or 2.45 percent, the two figures being discussed the most by state legislators, would result in a property tax rate of about $18.50 per $1,000 of taxable valuation.

That compares with the district's current rate of $18.55 per $1,000 of taxable valuation.

While the district can get through next year with a growth rate of 2 to 2.45 percent, both Donner and Marion Superintendent Joseph Dyer said that rate of increase is not sustainable.

The primary reason, the superintendent and business manager pointed out, is that district budgetary requirements are increasing at a rate closer to 3.5 percent.

The Legislature has not yet decided on an allowable budgetary rate increase.

School districts must certify a budget for 2016-17, including a property tax rate that cannot be raised, by April 15. The process includes publication of the budget and tax rate, followed by a public hearing.