Worthington board preliminarily sets 2025 levy at the maximum, schedules truth‑in‑taxation hearing and approves two tax abatements

The Worthington School Board preliminarily set the 2025 payable levy at the maximum rate during a routine motion, and scheduled the district’s annual truth‑in‑taxation hearing for Dec. 16 prior to the regular board meeting. District staff explained the levy decision is preliminary and tied to state formulas that determine district revenue; staff advised the board the state’s referendum market value and tax capacity numbers were still being updated and can change the district’s certified levy calculation. ‘‘This is very preliminary,’’ staff said, noting values had moved from an 8.5 figure earlier to 3.95 in recent data releases and could change again while state staff continue work. Tax abatements: the board also approved two tax abatements that had been presented earlier in the evening. Staff said both abatements were for new single‑family homes — one on 6 acres in Reading and one in Worthington — and that supporting documents had been provided. The board recorded a roll‑call vote with all listed members voting aye. Truth‑in‑taxation hearing: members set Dec. 16 as the date for the required hearing on taxes and levies; staff noted the hearing is an annual obligation and will be posted per notice requirements. Why it matters: levy decisions affect property tax notices and can influence district revenue and planning; approving abatements reduces tax bills for the specific properties involved in exchange for the terms in the abatement agreements. No final levy certification: staff emphasized the board’s motion was to preliminarily set the levy at the maximum to keep options open while state valuation numbers are finalized; the board expected to revisit levy certification as numbers are updated.