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Linn‑Mar outlines proposed tax notice and certified budget; board schedules certified budget hearing for April 28
Summary
District finance staff presented a certified budget update and proposed maximum levy rate of $18.05 per $1,000 for fiscal year 2026, while noting the state school aid (SSA) figure remains uncertain. The board set the certified budget hearing for April 28 and a public hearing for the proposed tax notice at 6:30 p.m.
Linn‑Mar Community School District finance staff reviewed the certified budget and a proposed maximum property tax levy during the March 31 board meeting, and the board confirmed the schedule for required public hearings.
Key points: The district presented a proposed maximum levy rate of $18.05 per $1,000 of taxable valuation for fiscal year 2026. Finance staff said the figure is a maximum and that the final levy may be adjusted after the state announces the next State School Aid (SSA) determination. SSA — the per‑pupil percentage adjustment from last year — remained unresolved at the time of the meeting. Finance staff said they are hopeful SSA will arrive near the district’s estimate and would allow the district to reduce the proposed levy.
Hearing schedule and next steps: Finance staff said the district’s first required budget hearing was being held that evening, and the certified budget hearing and board action on the budget are scheduled for April 28. Staff explained the notice publication timeline and said the district must file its certified budget with the Iowa Department of Management and the Linn County Auditor by April 30.
Tax‑payer impact example: Finance staff walked through the mailer comparison used in the proposed tax notice. Using the figures on the proposed notice and the state rollback percentages in effect for next year, staff said the school portion of property tax on a $100,000 residence would increase by about $22.60 under the current assumptions, while cautioning that the final figure depends on SSA and other state actions.
Budget buckets and funds: Staff reviewed the district’s funding buckets that are financed in whole or in part by property tax, including the general fund (largest fund, primarily salaries and benefits), the management fund, the Pearl fund (a voter‑approved fund used for playgrounds and community use), PPEL (Physical Plant and Equipment Levy) and debt service. Finance staff emphasized ongoing staffing challenges for special education and the planning questions around paying for industry‑recognized credential fees for CTE courses.
What’s next: The board will hold additional public sessions on the proposed facilities and budget items; the next facility Lion Learning session on the indoor activities center is April 8 and the certified budget public hearing is on April 28.
