Marion Independent School District sets budget hearing, action for April 10

MARION - The Marion Independent school board this week set a public hearing on its 2017-18 budget and property tax rate for 7 p.m. April 10. Action will follow the hearing.

The district's current property tax rate is $18.63 per $1,000 of taxable valuation.

Although the state will only be increasing aid by 1.1 percent, Marion Business Manager John Donner told board members that the Marion district has a number of positive factors that will be included in the budget. They include:

*The retirement of a number of outstanding bonds that could reduce the debt service levy by as much as 49 cents per $1,000 of taxable valuation.

*An increase of 4.7 percent in the district's assessed valuation.

*A one-year, 101 percent budget guarantee due to decreasing enrollment.