Despite cuts, school tax rate up slightly

Despite budget cuts, both the primary and secondary tax rates are expected to increase slightly, according to the budget report provided to the Douglas Unified School District Governing Board.

The board heard the report during a special meeting on Tuesday, June 22.

The primary rate, which helps pay for the day-to-day cost associated with operation of the district, will increase about 6 percent, from $4.8105 per $100 assessed valuation to $5.1000 per $100.

The secondary rate, which covers bonds for construction and capital, increased from $1.4346 to $1.5660 per $100 assessed value, or about 9 percent. The secondary rate is expected to dip a little lower next year following the retirement of additional bonds.

The increase in the primary rate may be due to the decreases in state funds the district is receiving.

The total budget is $19.685 million, of which $17,7 milliion is for the general maintenance and operation of district facilities.

The district budgeted nearly a $2 million drop in regular education costs. Most of those cuts are coming from School Administration, Central Services and Operation and Maintenance of Plant, all which were cut by more than 32 percent. Support Services –Instructional Staff was also cut by 24 percent. This budget item covers the laying off of teachers aides.

But payroll for classroom instruction went virtually untouched, with only a 1.9 percent drop.

Final approval of the budget will be held during the July 12 board meeting.