School board talks tax increase

If Havre Public Schools Superintendent Andy Carlson's suggestion is adopted, Havre elementary district taxpayers who own a $100,000 home will be paying $15.21 more in property taxes.

A large portion of Tuesday's Board of Trustees' meeting at Havre Middle School was spent discussing an elementary general fund levy. Carlson explained that the options for increasing revenue for day-to-day operations and maintenance are a full levy - going to the maximum allowed by the state - or something in between.

If the full levy is approved, which is what the high school is running on, property taxes would increase by an annual $15.21 per $100,000 home value.

No increase is also an option.

Carlson's proposal will be discussed at the next school board meeting.

Carlson pointed out the increase would be on top of taxes people are already paying.

When he addressed the trustees, he said he knew it was a lot to ask Havre taxpayers for more money.

"I know these are hard decisions. Unfortunately, it's a hard sell," he said.

One of the reasons, Carlson said, is there are so many needs in the city.

"I drive on our streets too," he added, alluding to the defeat of a proposal for a massive infrastructure proposal.

The levy would affect Havre elementary schools. Mike Arnold, the district clerk of Havre Public Schools, said, in a phone interview, the day-to-day and maintenance operations the levy would fund would be items such as utilities, bills and salaries.

If not passed, Arnold said "certain areas would be eliminated. We'd have to look for cuts."

Carlson, during Tuesday's meeting, said that the results of not passing the levy wouldn't necessarily be seen immediately. But they would be felt in the future.

"The decisions made now will impact two, three years from now," he said.

Enrollment in Havre public schools are:

• 898 in elementary school, up eight from last year;

•418 kids in middle school, down 20 from last year.

• 561 kids in Havre High, 40 more than last year.

The levy, should the board adopt it and put it on the voting ballot, would be voted on election day, May 3. Also on that day, voters will have the chance to elect two new board members.

Arnold said Norm Proctor has submitted his petition to run for re-election. No candidates have yet to file for the other seat, presently Theresa Miller's spot.