Last June, in response to recent changes in state law, the USD 410 Board of Edu?cation passed a resolution, and the public voted overwhelmingly to approve, raising the cap on the local option budget (LOB).
Previous to 2014-15, the cap was 30 percent of the general fund. Our board took advantage of this increased budget authority, resulting in an expected increase of $152,000 for our schools and a property tax decrease of 2.4 mills (Marion County official tax levy sheet, 2014).
Unfortunately, the state did not follow through on the promise of additional state aid for schools and the result was a cut of $101,000 for USD 410.
Because the law requires voter approval to remain at 33 percent, ballots were mailed to registered USD 410 voters with the question, ?Shall the USD 410 BOE raise the LOB 2 percent from 31 percent to 33 percent??
While the question on the ballot says increase 2 percent from 31 percent to 33, percent, it is important to understand the USD 410 board is current operating with 33 percent LOB authority based on the vote last spring.
Voting ?Yes? on the current mail ballot election will not raise the LOB percentage. Voting ?Yes? will retain the LOB percentage at 33 percent of the general fund.
Voting ?No? reduces LOB funding by 2 percent for our schools, resulting in an estimated cut of $150,000.
If you have questions about your mail-in ballot, contact me at the District Office at 620-947-3184 or contact a USD 410 BOE member.
by Steve P. Noble
Unified School District 410
