Maple Dale Trims Tax Levy Yet Adds to Fund Balance

The School Board approved a proposed tax levy Wednesday night that will save residents money, and put some back into the district's fund balance.  

The proposed levy is just under $6.8 milllion, down more than 4 percent from last year. This breaks down to a charge of $6.67 for every $1,000 of property value, 30 cents less than last year. 

The community that pays the most, or the community with the most property value, is River Hills, which pays more than 45 percent of the levy, followed by Bayside and then Fox Point.  The tax levy will be up for official approval on July 13.

The board also approved a proposed budget that's less than last year's by about 2 1/2 percent, or about $200,000.

However, the school is still allocating $278,000 back into the district's fund balance. This is used for things like teacher health benefits, the special education fund and the general fund for district needs.

Gary Swalve, business manager for the district, said that this is nearly double what was originally projected to be returned; however it still could change based on enrollment. The district has 519 students.

The money to replenish the fund balance is from the referendum that was passed in 2009. The purpose of that referendum was to balance the budget and replenish the fund balance. That's how the district can levy less in taxes, yet add to the fund balance. Swalve said the governor's budget proposal reduces the district's taxing authority by $350,000.

"What that means is, if it weren't for the governor's budget bill and we weren't losing that taxing authority, we'd be returning more to the fund balance," Swalve said.

Other discussions by the board:

• Looking into for streamlining teacher evaluations.
• A new second-grade teacher will be joining the district.
• Approved another year of contracted technology services from.
• Approved contract extensions for an administrative assistant and business office coordinators.
• Approved the salary schedule.
• A part-time art teacher is leaving for a full-time position in Mequon.