Carbondale CES95 files tentative FY26 tax levy; district estimates tax rate will fall to $4.15

The Carbondale Elementary School District No. 95 board opened a public hearing and voted to file a tentative tax levy for the 2025 tax year at its Dec. 18 meeting.

Chief School Business Official Janiece Blake opened the hearing at 7:15 p.m. and explained that the district is presenting “a 4.99% increase over last year’s extension” for the levy request of $17,689,165. Blake said Jackson County is tax-capped and extensions are limited to the lesser of 5% or the consumer price index (CPI), which for the 2025 levy year is 2.9%, so the district does not expect to collect the full 4.99% increase and is instead filing to provide a cushion in case assessed valuations change. Blake said the estimated tax rate under current assumptions is $4.15, down from last year’s $4.31, with final extension amounts to be determined when assessed valuations are finalized in the spring.

The board later took formal action on a resolution to file the Tax Levy for the 2025 tax year (for less than 105% of the prior year’s tax extension). John Major moved the resolution, Renada Greer seconded, and the motion carried by roll call vote with yes votes from Catherine Field, Renada Greer, Corey Cawthon, John Major, Imani McHenry and Tangela Oliver; member Hunt was absent.

The hearing included no public comments and closed at 7:18 p.m. by motion of Greer and second by Major. The board’s filing is a procedural step; final tax extensions and the amount taxpayers will see will depend on county-assessed valuations and the clerk’s final extension process in the spring.