By Gary W. Meyer, Editor
The Big Lake Board of Education Thursday gave its approval to a 2018 tax levy increase of 3.94% to fund school operations. The total of 2018 taxes to support school functions will be $8,998,017, up by $340,912 over the 2017 levy of $8,657,105.
The general fund taxes will be increased by $28,575; community service, $56,894; debt service, $261,732; and pension services, a minus $6,289. General fund taxes would be $3,913,760; community services, $364,055; debt service, $4,336,610; and pension fund, $383,592. Finance Mgr. Angie Manuel walked the board through the proposed tax levy, saying with increased district property valuations, the proposed hike should have neglible effect on the individual property owner, unless the valuation of their property is significantly raised.
“Our net tax capacity will be up about the same (percentage),” said Manuel. “We recommend the levy at maximum.” The district will be certifying the tax levy to the county in the coming weeks. Final action will be only to reduce the levy, as needed; it cannot be increased. Manuel reported first-month student enrollment is at 3,084, down from 3,110 at the start of the 2016 school year. It represents about a one percent decrease in students, much lower than estimates of three percent.
The district hit its all-time high of 3,567 students in 2008; by 2012, it had dropped to 3,335 and in 2015, was at 3,194. State school aids are based on student attendance; for each student equivalent, the district would receive about $8,000 in general education and infrastructure aids. The board had a busy meeting Thursday.
They met incoming Wright Technical Center Director Brian Koslofsky and approved with conditions a contract with Solar I for a reduced rate for electrical services to the middle and high schools. (The two elementary schools, served by Connexus, are not eligible for the program with Xcel Energy.)
They met with Teachers Loren Holthaus and Joe Hartel on their proposed BLHS Hall of Fame, to be initiated in the coming year. And they heard a technology update, including the district’s new security camera program, from IT Director Jon Beach. More details on these presentations will be published in next week’s Tribune.
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