GARNETT — Area school districts are keeping property tax increases low for next year, despite severe cutbacks in state funding and for some districts, declining enrollments. USD 365 in Garnett posted a local option property tax increase of 1.7 mills. The total mill levy for the Garnett school district will be slightly more than 51 and a half mills. That will bring about $3 million to the district, the Anderson County Review reported. . Some funding for school districts also comes from the state’s per pupil base rate of $4,012. Last year, USD 365 schools posted a small increase in enrollment with 1,131 students. USD 365 Supt. Don Blome told the Review that the district closely watched spending this year. The district expects to spend a little more than $15 million during next school year. The Crest school board posted a .2 of a mill increase in its local option property tax levy. The district expects to generate about $369,367 in local taxes. The district expects to spend about $5 million. Crest held steady on enrollment last year with 220 students but officials expect enrollment to drop in 2010-2011. However, the state allows districts to use its current enrollment, the past year’s enrollment or a three-year average to figure state aid. Crest’s three-year average and last year’s enrollment were the same, and the district likely will use that number to calculate state aid this year before confronting the reduction in enrollment and state aid next year. Central Hheights hasn’t published its budget. But interim Supt. Jim White said next year’s budget would include a local option property tax increase of less than 2 mills. Central Heights, with 538 students, was the only area district to report a decrease in enrollment last year. Interim Superintendent Jim White said he anticipates another decrease of about 15 students when school starts next month. The district will use last year’s enrollment figures to calculate its state aid.
Thursday, July 29, 3:30 p.m.
