For the first time in what officials thought was probably a couple of decades, the Daviess County Public Schools Board of Education is expected to lower the real property tax rate Thursday.
The proposal at DCPS would lower the real property tax rate from 71.5 to 71 cents per $100 of value for real property while leaving the personal property rate at 71.5 cents.
Sara Harley, DCPS director of finance, previously said even with the .5 cent decrease, the proposed rate would generate more tax revenue than the previous year because the assessed property value of homes in the county has risen.
During Tuesday’s board luncheon, Harley said it’s the first time since she’s been in her position that they’ve been able to lower the rate, with Superintendent Matt Robbins adding that it’s been “20 years or so, probably” since a reduction.
The proposed rates would bring in approximately $44 million, which would be about a $1.8 million increase.
Most of the revenue goes to the general fund, which is used to pay staff and do other things to maintain the schools. A 1% raise to all of the DCPS staff would cost $1 million, Harley previously said. All staff members were given a 1% raise for the 21-22 school year.
The board will vote on the tax rate — as well as numerous other items discussed Tuesday — during their regular meeting this Thursday at Daviess County High School (4255 New Hartford Rd). A public hearing will be held at 4:15 p.m. directly before the board meeting.
In other business Tuesday, Jana Beth Francis, DCPS assistant superintendent for teaching and learning, gave a brief presentation on the DCPS summer learning programs, saying they had great success and are continuing to see the efforts pay off as the new year gets underway.
She said they strive to identify priority groups and address those needs, such as seniors that are credit deficient or English learners. DCPS offered various programs geared toward students at every grade level, with the older students more focused on getting “down to business” with the younger learners attending camps that offer learning using fun and creative methods.
Dr. Amy Shutt, DCPS Assistant Superintendent for Human Services, said overall DCPS was in “pretty good shape” with personnel but they do have a few positions that need to be filled, and she also asked the board to approve five emergency certifications.
Other discussion items that will be on the consent agenda during Thursday’s meeting were:
- Consider Approval to Declare Property as Surplus
- Consider Approval of 2020-21 Transportation Cost Report
- Consider Approval of Non-Resident Contracts for the 2022-2023 School Year (DCPS contracts to be sent to surrounding districts)
- Consider Approval of Non-Resident Contracts for the 2022-2023 School Year (contracts from surrounding districts)
- Consider Approval of Revised Non-Resident Contracts for the 2021-2022 School Year (Barron County Contract)
- Consider Approval of MOA for Hearing Impaired Services Between Daviess County Board of Education, Webster County Schools, and Owensboro Public Schools
- Consider Approval of 2021-22 Facility Rental Contract with Cliff Hagan Boys and Girls Club
- Consider Approval of Board Member Voter Precincts
- Consider Approval of Revised 2021-22 Salary Schedules
