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Superintendent warns Senate Bill 3 changes to assessed valuation could affect Hillsboro R-III taxes and levy plans
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Eisman briefed the board on Senate Bill 3’s assessed-valuation provisions and potential county-level ballot measures; he urged residents to review county property records and said the district is monitoring possible legal challenges and intergovernmental impacts.
Superintendent Dr. Eisman updated the board on Senate Bill 3 and its provisions that affect assessed valuation and property-tax ballot questions. He described the legislation as a complex package that included stadium funding and a provision allowing county-level choices about a permanent assessed valuation for owner-occupied homes.
Dr. Eisman said Jefferson County’s chosen permanent assessed valuation level for owner-occupied residences was set at 0% by the county’s senator (noted in the packet), but that the change still requires a citizen vote in the county to take effect. He warned the board that, if enacted locally, the change could reduce property-tax revenue for local political subdivisions and potentially require future levies to fund construction or other capital plans.
The superintendent told board members the school district has worked to lower its tax rate in recent years and that the district’s management and Hancock-amendment rollbacks have helped minimize tax burdens for residents. He said many residents’ assessed valuations have fluctuated and encouraged homeowners to use the Jefferson County property viewer (linked in the board packet) to review their own records.
Dr. Eisman said legal questions about the constitutionality of the assessed-valuation provision have been raised by other districts and political subdivisions, and he expects coordinated discussions among school districts, fire and ambulance districts, and libraries about potential challenges. The board heard that the issue could require future district action, including possible levy requests to fund projects if local assessed valuation restrictions reduce revenue.
The board did not take immediate action on the matter but heard that the superintendent will meet with local subdivision leaders to coordinate an approach and that the district will monitor developments and potential legal challenges.
