Franklin — It was only an advisory vote, and there were not many in attendance, but the Franklin School Board received an interesting answer from the general public concerning this year's proposed budget and tax levy.
District residents, including the seven board members, voted 10-10 on the budget and property tax levy. The levy calls for an estimated 3.9 percent increase over last year.
For a lower levy
That levy increase was too much for some residents, who said the community cannot afford any more taxes in midst of an economic recession.
"I just ask you people tonight to go back and take a real, hard look at this budget to see if you really squeezed it as hard as you can," resident Donald Reed told the School Board. "Give the people of this community an opportunity to really accept the fact this budget was looked at as hard as you can look at it.
"You are running a business with our dollars, and we are concerned about how you are spending them."
Administrators estimated the tax rate would be $11.77 per $1,000 of assessed property value, compared to $11.32 a year ago. That means a person owning a $200,000 home would pay $2,354 in school property taxes.
Budget adjustments to date
District officials and some School Board members said they realize times are tough for many families and are doing all they can to hold down a high levy increase, noting the seven-figure reductions made in the 2010-11 budget.
Officials outlined nearly $1.2 million in cuts. Some of the reductions include eliminating two full-time equivalent guidance positions, two library media specialists and one special education teacher.
The district also will generate $426,000 in new revenue by opening up more seats in the state's Open Enrollment program.
More ideas to come?
Some believe the school district could go further in reducing the tax levy.
Board member Janet Evans said it was important to ask everyone - from the bottom up - for their input on budget issues.
"The school district employees could have some really good ideas to save money," Evans said. "Everyone should be asked 'How can you help the school district to save money?' I think that's where we need to start."
The School Board will formally adopt a tax levy and budget in October. The district is still waiting on several factors, including enrollment, a finalized state aid number and the assessed value of the city, which impact the budget.
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We keep re-electing people like Larson and Traylor to the School Board so we keep getting the same old excuses they have always used "we cut as much as we could"! One can only hope that David Works who is on the finance committee finally grows a set and instead of being a bobble head, actually listens to the community to cut the budget some more!
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thats right franklin, keep on taxing the crap out of us! considering taking our business not only out of franklin, but out of this entire state. really, really sick of these taxes.
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Back to topFranklin Taxpayer - Sep 29, 2010 7:53 AM - Report Abuse
40somethingemployer - Sep 02, 2010 1:47 PM - Report Abuse