Lesson #2 on Operating Referendums
School districts are required to follow a long list of provisions and timelines when conducting an operating referendum. For instance, schools can only conduct one operating referendum per year, unless the district is in statutory operating debt. The vote must take place on the November general election day, or, it can be held by mail ballot. First-class mailed referendum notices must be sent to each taxpayer in the school district. Our EV-W School District residents will be receiving their mailed referendum notices between Oct. 4 and 19.
Additional referendum provisions require the tax levy be spread across the Referendum Market Value (RMV) of the district. Keep in mind that referendum property tax in not levied on seasonal recreational property (cabins), or agriculture land and farm buildings; the tax levy only impacts the house, garage and 1 acre.
The district will be hosting a Special Election from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3 in the EV-W High School Cafeteria and Watkins Elementary School. The ballot question will be asking residents to vote on a renewal of the existing referendum at $307.80 per pupil for another ten years. The difference between the expiring referendum authority and the proposed renewal will be $0 tax impact.
I?Äôll continue to provide you with updates and referendum lessons through the Nov. 3 election date. Additionally, the school district is in the process of coordinating a public forum to provide you with referendum information and answers to your questions. In the meantime, please give me a call or invitation and I would be happy to join your civic organizations or clubs to provide feedback.
Preliminary Levy
The Eden Valley-Watkins School Board voted to adopt a preliminary levy allowed by the state for 2016. The preliminary levy that was discussed Wednesday evening represents a 3.65 percent or $76,779.00 increase from last year. This annual levy is primarily composed of costs related to adjustments in our pupil units, health and safety projects, and facility maintenance. The state sets school levies, and the amount may be adjusted somewhat before the final levy is set in December. The state also requires districts to levy 105 percent of what they need to make bond payments. It ensures that payments will be made, even if some taxes are delinquent. The state will make adjustments and reduce future levies if a surplus builds in the debt service account.
Weekly Quote
?ÄúAutumn ?Ķ the year?Äôs last, loveliest smile.?Äù
-William Cullen Bryant
Senior Spotlight
The EV-W School District would like to recognize Kayla Meyer, daughter of Anne and Gary. Kayla admires her father for the energy and passion put into his work from sun up to sun down. Kayla is enrolled in three college level classes, and has membership in NHS, SADD, and Tri-M. She also serves as the Senior Class Treasurer and religion teacher at Assumption Church. The EV-W administration and staff commend Kayla on her great start to the 2015-16 school year. Congratulations!