Decatur SD 61 board adopts tentative 4% tax levy after Truth in Taxation hearing

The Decatur School District 61 Board of Education on Dec. 16 adopted a resolution setting a tentative 4% tax levy for tax year 2025, payable in 2026, after a required Truth in Taxation public hearing and staff presentation of multiple levy scenarios.

Dr. Curry, who led the district's levy presentation, told the board the district's cash and investments in the education fund were about $37,000,000 with an available fund balance near $28,000,000 and that the district's equalized assessed valuation (EAV) stood at roughly $969 million as of Dec. 5, 2025, with a recent $500,000 decline. She outlined several levy options presented to the board — a full-levy growth option projected at 6.63%, a commonly used 4.99% option, a 4% option the board ultimately favored, a CPI-based 2.9% option and a near-zero 0.05% levy — and described how some reductions were proposed to come from the tort fund to avoid hamstringing other funds.

"The truth in taxation hearing is required," Dr. Curry said while reviewing receipts, estimated lost revenue under lower-levy scenarios and tax-rate examples for homeowners. She showed homeowner-cost estimates at different tax-rate projections, noting that for a $150,000 home the bill would vary under the scenarios presented.

During public comment, one resident urged the board to consider the financial strain on households and small businesses and said any tax increase should be coordinated with measurable gains in student outcomes. Another public commenter urged the board to "manage within the community's means" given Decatur's higher poverty rate and local economic indicators.

Board members discussed trade-offs between maintaining revenue for upcoming contract obligations, building repairs and other recurring costs and limiting the burden on taxpayers. Several members indicated they were not willing to support the full 6.63% levy; the board coalesced around the 4% option. Dr. Curry said she would revise the resolution and paperwork to reflect that figure.

The motion to adopt a resolution and certificate to levy a 4% tax rate for 2025 (payable in 2026) passed on roll call with six ayes, zero nays and one member absent.

Next steps: the board will include the adopted levy number in the formal levy certification and proceed with the standard proceedings for tax-year certification and subsequent publication requirements.