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Board sets March 24 public hearing on proposed FY26 property tax levy; reviews draft budget
Summary
The board reviewed proposed FY26 budgets across all funds, discussed a projected $4.9 million general-fund drawdown and a proposed total levy of $12.38, and set a public hearing for March 24, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. to receive input on the proposed property tax levy.
The Sioux City Community School District Board of Directors reviewed proposed fiscal year 2026 budget documents for all funds and voted to set a public hearing on the proposed property tax levy for March 24, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Educational Service Center.
Patty Blankenship presented the draft budget overview, explaining revenue assumptions, the school aid formula context and targeted expenditure changes. The presentation showed general-fund revenues of roughly $198.6 million and that approximately 73% of district revenues come from state foundation aid, per the draft aid-and-levy figures. Staff described estimated increases and reductions that together produced a net estimated expenditure increase of about $6.1 million, exceeding an internal goal by roughly $1.2 million. The presentation identified using reserves of roughly $4.9 million and spending-authority reserves of about $1.4 million in the certified budget draft.
Staff noted the draft total levy rate of $12.38 per $1,000 of valuation (unchanged from FY25 on the draft) and explained that the district increased the management levy portion to cover higher property and liability insurance estimates. The budget assumptions used a 2% SSA (state supplemental aid) estimate; staff said if SSA differs, the district could reduce the management levy to maintain the total $12.38 levy rate. Blankenship explained the taxpayer-statement deadline to the county auditor and that the county would mail statements on a schedule set by the auditor: she said the statement was due to the county by March 5 and that the county would mail by March 20 to meet the board's public hearing on March 24.
During discussion Board Director Greenwell summarized that the general fund would show a roughly $4.9 million deficit under current assumptions but noted the board planned to hold the overall tax levy at the same draft rate. After discussion the board voted to set the March 24, 2025, public hearing at 5:30 p.m. to receive public input on the proposed property tax levy for fiscal year 2025-26.
