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Perry County School Board orders Aug. 4 election to raise operating tax levy ceiling
Summary
The Perry County School District No. 32 board voted to place a question on the Aug. 4, 2026 ballot to increase the district's operating tax levy ceiling to 3.497 per $100 of assessed valuation (an estimated 22.15¢ increase), citing capital needs for a new high school and FEMA reimbursements as part of the funding plan.
The Perry County School District No. 32 board voted to order an election on Aug. 4, 2026, asking voters to authorize an increase in the district's operating tax levy ceiling to 3.497 per $100 of assessed valuation, a change the board was told would be estimated to raise the levy by 22.15¢ per $100 for 2026–2045 with an estimated reduction of 0.5440 per $100 beginning in 2046.
Board members and outside consultants framed the ballot language and financing scenarios as attempts to balance construction needs for a new high school and other capital projects with tax impacts on the community. Consultants presented three financing scenarios — including variations using general obligation bonds, COP/CAP structures and an option that sets a new ceiling (a GEO-like ballot language) — and noted trade-offs: the GEO-style ceiling requires a supermajority to pass but can be more fiscally efficient, while the COP/CAP option is a simple-majority path with different cash-flow consequences. Consultants emphasized that FEMA reimbursements for storm damage are likely but timing and amounts are not guaranteed, and that fund-balance strategies could reduce the levy ask.
During extended discussion, board members raised several concerns: whether $35 million would be sufficient for the project if FEMA funds were delayed or reduced; the risk of committing operating dollars for a long term while state revenue or statewide tax measures could change local receipts; and how to explain the plan to voters so the measure could pass. Multiple board members urged public forums and clear messaging. One board member moved the formal election resolution and the board approved it and directed staff and bond counsel to finalize the ballot language and required financial schedules.
The motion to order the election was made on the record during the meeting and the board approved it by voice vote. The board also directed administration and consultants to prepare full financials for the scenario the board favored and to begin election proceedings.
What happens next: election proceedings will be finalized by district counsel and financial advisors; the board instructed consultants to run detailed payment schedules and finalize ballot language and financial exhibits for public distribution and outreach ahead of the Aug. 4, 2026 election.
