| By Bob Weaver
Calhoun Schools five-year operating levy is being re-run on the November 4 ballot, with the local system facing major financial crunches.
In May, Calhoun voters defeated the levy that would have financially supported the county school system operations and services.
Voting against the levy 845, for the levy 727. The May levy would have produced a little over $600,000 annually.
The levy needed a simple majority to pass.
The levy on the November 4 ballot has been increased about by about 75,000 annually, from $623,446 to $700,742 annually for the five year period, according to Financial Officer Dan Minney.
"There are no significant changes where to spend the money, perhaps some clarifications," Minney said.
According to the levy tax chart, the typical Calhoun taxpayer with a real estate value of $40,000, the per year increase would be $85, with their typical personal property evaluation(vehicles) being $14,000, the per year increase would be $60. for a total increased tax of $145 annually for the five year period.
Property holders with higher values and more personal property would see proportionately increased taxes. (See tax chart on levy document)
The county school systems financial crunch is mostly related to a declining school enrollment, said school board president Steve Whited, last year there was an $800,000 deficit, but school officials said at a board meeting that bills had been paid.
Whited said without levy money, there will be continued budget cuts, possibly affecting extracurricular activities, supplements and facility usage.
See LEVY BALLOT, INFORMATION, TAX CHART
Read Earlier Levy Stories:Â CALHOUN SCHOOL'S OPERATING LEVY WILL RE-RUN ON NOVEMBER BALLOT - Policy Charging Outside Groups For Facility Use Put On Hold
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