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Annandale board outlines operating-levy outreach and approves maximum property tax levy
Summary
The Annandale Public School District board described outreach for an operating levy referendum, explained the district’s funding rationale and approved a motion to request the maximum property tax levy for the coming year.
The Annandale Public School District board on a unanimous voice vote approved a motion to request the maximum property tax levy and described ongoing outreach for an operating levy referendum that will appear on a special election ballot.
Board members and staff told attendees the district has engaged a donor-funded consultant, created a microsite with FAQs and is sharing short testimonial videos and community presentations to explain the levy proposal. Crystal, district staff, walked through early-voting procedures and the site’s “vote” tab, and offered the district’s tax-calculator and Ehlers financial advisors as resources for individual assessments.
The board described the levy ask as a product of multi‑year budgeting and previous cuts. The presentation identified several drivers: prior cuts of about $1.2 million, an uncovered special-education cross-subsidy the board described as roughly $1.5 million, and legislative shifts that reduced state aid and increased local tax responsibility. The board said the referendum figure—presented as $7.50 per pupil and about $1.4 million for the year—reflects those factors and the goal of avoiding overburdening taxpayers.
Members emphasized common concerns they’ve heard from landowners and explained that levy tax calculations apply to the house, garage and one acre for a property (not to full acreage). The board pointed audiences to the Cardinals Excellence website and offered to submit requests to Ehlers for precise, address‑specific estimates.
On a separate vote, the board approved the recommended maximum levy amount after a presentation by district staff member Rick, who outlined enrollment-driven shifts and year-over-year levy component changes. The motion to request the maximum levy passed on a motion by Jen, seconded by Melissa.
The board said outreach will continue in the coming weeks, including presentations to the Chamber and other civic groups, and encouraged community members to use the FAQ and contact forms on the district microsite for questions.
