By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The math gets tricky when it comes to taxes and revenue-neutral rates. USD 431 Hoisington announced its intent to exceed revenue neutral for the 2024-25 budget. On Monday, the Board of Education held its Revenue Neutral Rate and budget hearings. One resident asked the board why taxes would be going up. Superintendent Patrick Crowdis provided the answer.
"The main focus we took this year was on our capital outlay," he said. "That was where we increased our mill levies the most. That is so we can put money into, not major building improvements, but building improvements that need to be made within the school without having to wait for years, then pass a bond issue for a large improvement."
USD 431 actually cut its overall mill levy from 29.501 mills last year to 29.500 mills this year. Based on property valuations for the district, however, that means an increase of $49,129 in tax dollars generated across the supplemental general, capital outlay, and bonds and interest funds. Districts are required to levy 20 mills for the general fund, and that will generate $54,470 fewer dollars than last year. In all, that represents a net decrease of $5,321 fewer dollars than last year.
"In the true issue of the law, we did exceed revenue neutral because we're levying $50,000 more in taxes," Crowdis said. "We look at both the mill rate and the actual taxes levied."
Crowdis said the district has worked hard to decrease its mill levy as valuations have increased over the years. The board approved the budget as presented 6-0.