The Blair Community Schools Board of Education approved a budget proposal for the 2021-22 school year during a special meeting Thursday at the Blair Public Library and Technology Center.
The proposal includes a slight increase to the tax levy — from $1.086077 in 2020-21 to $1.098117 in 2021-22. The total property tax request is nearly $23 million. The total budgeted transfers and disbursements are $47.76 million.
A budget hearing is set for 7 p.m. Sept. 13.
The board voted to keep the general fund levy at 90 cents, while increasing the the building fund from 8 cents to 10 cents.
Board member Brandi Petersen said the district needed to be proactive and plan for potential projects, which could include a new automotive bay for the industrial arts center or any other additions that could come with an increase in growth.
“If we're not forward thinking in that respect and we do it reactively, it's going to be a huge increase to our taxpayers,” she said. “Not only are we going to have to increase our general fund for additional students, but we're going to have to increase our building fund also. To me, we plan now.”
Several board members agreed.
“I know that it's nice to not have to go to the public and ask for money in a bond,” board member Steve Callaghan said. “If we can build up that building fund and do it in a way that keeps us inside what our max levy, to me, that makes more sense in the long run for the people of the community.”
The district has recently been able to pay for several projects out of its building fund, including a new concessions stand, restrooms and ticket booth and turf field at Krantz Field and the renovated industrial arts center.
“It feels like we finished that piece and now we can plan for the next five to 10 years,” board member Denise Cada said.
Board president Kari Loseke voiced her concerns.
“I'm very uncomfortable raising taxes,” she said.
Supt. Randy Gilson noted that of those districts Class B and higher, Blair has one of the lowest levies.
“We try to be as efficient as possible,” he said.
