Jason Arndt, jarndt@shawanoleader.com
Nearly two dozen residents attended Shawano School District’s second public information meeting on the 2014-15 budget Wednesday morning at the Shawano Civic Center.
The 2014-15 budget plan recommends a $13.5 million tax levy, the maximum the district would be allowed to tax and about $600,000 more than this year’s levy of $12.9 million.
The tax rate would increase from $10.31 per $1,000 of equalized value in 2013-14 to $10.81 in 2014-15, according to the district’s scenario, which is based on no increase in district property values, which will not be known until October.
District Business Manager Louise Fischer said, because of state legislation passed in 1993-94, districts lose out on state aid if they do not maximize their tax levy. The School Board has opted not to levy the maximum in recent years.
“If we spend less, we will receive less aid from the state,” Fischer said. “If you spend more money, you get more money in state aid.”
Shawano resident Bonnie Olson, who is also a County Board supervisor, said the board needs to maintain its frugal mindset and “not just take it because it is available.”
“It should be a pat on the back for the board for spending less,” she said. “If they can do it on the budget that they line up, then that is what we want to hear.”
Residents on Wednesday voiced concerns over technology upgrades and maintenance needs around the school district, including spending $84,000 on touchpads at Hillcrest Primary School.
District officials said the technology upgrade was needed for students to take a new computerized exam, scheduled to begin in the fall, and help students meet new education standards.
Residents also were concerned about long-term facility and grounds upgrades, including asphalt replacement at the intermediate, middle and high schools.
Board member Michael Sleeper said residents need to consider the long-term health of the school district.
“We must be good stewards of properties that our tax dollars have built,” he said. “Our long-term investment in our buildings is imperative.”
The board will hold the final of three public meetings on the proposed budget at 7 p.m. July 31. The meeting is tentatively scheduled to take place at Shawano Community Middle School, 1050 S. Union St. The first meeting was held Tuesday.
The board is expected to finalize the proposed budget Aug. 4. Residents will be able to vote on the tax levy at the district’s annual meeting Aug. 18. Final approval of the budget and levy will occur in October, when final enrollment numbers and statewide equalization valuation results are known.
If property values increase more than expected, it would mean a lower tax rate. If values decrease again, as they did last year, the tax rate could go higher.