Carlson proposes school tax increase

Havre School Superintendent Andy Carlson said Tuesday the district needs to ask voters to increase its taxing authority.

Carlson told the school board he will recommend an increase in the mill levy for the elementary school district, but he's not certain how much he will ask for. The district can ask for authority to raise up to $270,000, but Carlson said he's not sure that much is needed.

The school board will later make the final decision on whether to submit the increase to voters in the May 3 election.

The board cannot increase the levy in the high school district because it is at its taxing limit, he said. Taxing authority is based in part on the number of students, he said. High school enrollment had been declining, he said but that trend has reversed.

Now, he said, it is elementary school enrollment that is declining. If that continues, he said, the district will lose taxing authority in the elementary district. If voters approve an elementary district hike now, that will be grandfathered in if enrolment declines.

Carlson said it has been five years since the last mill levy was approved.

Board members made no comments on Carlson's proposal, but board member Ed Hill asked, "If there are less students, why do we need more money?"

Carlson and District Clerk Mike Arnold said that fixed costs - such as insurance and building maintenance costs - are increasing even as elementary enrollment is going down.

In addition to the mill levy, voters will elect two members to the Board of Trustees May 3.

The three-year terms of trustees Thersa Miller and Norm Proctor are expiring.