Galena board approves three‑year bus lease and 2025 tax levy
Summary
The board approved a three‑year lease contract with Midwest Transit for the district bus fleet (annual amount discussed at $315,370) and adopted the 2025 tax levy with a projected rate change to about $4.51 per $100 of assessed value, an expected 3.82% extension increase.
The Galena School Board approved two major budget items Tuesday: a three‑year lease for the bus fleet with Midwest Transit and the district’s 2025 tax levy.
Transportation director Dennis Wells reviewed bus lease options, recommended an international bus fleet with upgraded on‑board camera systems and a three‑year warranty. Board members discussed storage/underbody "luggage" channels for athletic equipment and confirmed state transportation reimbursements help the district. During discussion a board member read the contract's annual amount; the transcript records an annual contract figure of $315,370. After a motion by John and a second, the board approved the Midwest Transit lease by roll call.
Administrators then presented the tentative 2025 tax levy. The district's equalized assessed value (EAV) was presented as slightly reduced (from about $337,000,000 to about $336,000,000), which marginally increased the projected tax rate from $4.49 to $4.51 per $100 of assessed value. Presenters characterized the changes as minor — an expected extension increase of roughly 3.82% compared with the prior year — and said the revenue impact versus the tentative levy was minimal. John moved to approve the levy as presented; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously on roll call.
Board members asked questions about calendar impacts and how small shifts in EAV change the rate; administration said the difference equated to only a few hundred dollars versus the overall levy estimate. The board closed the meeting by approving a rescheduled March board meeting date (moved from March 17, 2026 to March 18) because a new election‑day meeting prohibition affects the calendar.
