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District agrees to preserve Truth-in-Taxation option as board selects tentative levy option
Summary
The Decatur Public Schools District 61 board moved to select a levy option that preserves the ability to hold a Truth in Taxation hearing and approved a tentative estimated levy (2025 paid in 2026); board members discussed four levy scenarios and EAV/tax-rate mechanics before a 7–0 vote to select Option A.
The Decatur Public Schools District 61 Board of Education on Nov. 11 approved a tentative estimated tax levy for 2025 (paid in 2026) and, by a 7–0 roll-call vote, selected a levy option that preserves the right to hold a Truth in Taxation hearing.
A district finance presenter explained the difference among four options: a full levy (capture full dollar ask), an offset full levy (move some costs between funds), a sub-5% levy (to avoid triggering Truth in Taxation), and a lower-ask scenario. The presenter summarized how equalized assessed value (EAV), levy and tax rate interact and stressed timing constraints for publishing Truth in Taxation notices (must be posted in the paper within 7–14 days before the hearing).
“The levy is the ask,” the presenter said, explaining that the dollar amount the district requests, together with EAV, determines the tax rate and extension. Board members questioned how different options would change the district’s tax rate and how much revenue the district would secure under each scenario.
After discussion about community impacts and whether the board should routinely run a Truth in Taxation hearing, a board member moved to amend the levy motion to select Option A so the district would keep the option of a Truth in Taxation hearing; the amendment passed by roll call 7–0. Several board members said they favored keeping the transparency of a Truth in Taxation process.
The finance presenter cited current, tentative EAV estimates (around $970 million) and illustrative tax-rate scenarios (examples provided in the presentation ranged in the $4.68–$4.72 tax-rate area depending on option and assumptions). The board directed administration to finalize numbers with the county clerk and bring a final levy recommendation at the Dec. 16, 2025 meeting.
What happens next: administration will file the adopted tentative levy with the county clerk and, if required, publish a Truth in Taxation notice and hold the public hearing on the schedule required by statute.
