The District 205 Board of Education is expected to adopt their levy of the 2016 property taxes at their meeting tonight.
Superintendent Ralph Grimm has recommended a 35 cent increase, for both the tort and transportation funds. This hike would amount to a 7.5 percent raise that would generate about $1.7 million in additional revenue for Galesburg schools.
The home with an average taxable value of $50,000, could expect to pay an extra $52.55 a year with the proposed increase.
Administration and the school board have set 2018 as the year when they hope to achieve a balanced budget, but that will depend on how much the levy is raised tonight and how big revenue slashes are coming in 2017.
Without a formal vote, it seemed that a majority of members were receptive to Grimm’s proposed 7.5 percent increase. Member Wayne Statham perhaps has shown the most trepidation, saying that he might be more in favor of a 25 cent increase.
Tonight’s meeting starts at 6:00 p.m. with a Truth in Taxation to hear public comments on the levy at 5:30 p.m.
