HUMBOLDT — A remarkable increase in the assessed valuation of property within USD 258 will result in a significant decrease in patrons’ property tax bills.
The cause is the construction of the Enbridge Flanagan Pipeline, which includes a large pumping station southeast of Humboldt.
The district valuation nearly doubled, from the current $29.2 million to $55 million.
District board members adopted their 2015-16 budget Monday night, which projects an overall ad valorem tax levy of 52.691 mills, 8.163 mills less than the previous year’s 60.854.
To take advantage, board members rescinded a budget that had been figured earlier, before the Enbridge valuation was known.
The general fund levy remained the same at 20 mills, which is statewide and has proceeds flowing directly to state coffers. The capital outlay fund also remained unchanged at 8 mills, which alone will raise $440,000. Add cash carried forward, and the district will have $1.47 million available in the fund. Capital outlay revenue may be used for improvements, new construction and some equipment purchases, but may not be used for general fund expenditures, such as salaries.
Superintendent of Schools Kay Lewis noted the general fund for the current year projects expenditures of $1.7 million more than 2014-15 at $6.9 million. This is largely due to the state’s new block grant funding mechanism that has local school budgets include the Kansas Public Employers Retirement System and funds for special education.
Discussion did erupt before board members gave their blessing to the budget 6 to 1. Don Hauser was the lone “no” vote, requesting members to increase funding for the Recreation Commission, which is set at 2.157 mills compared to the previous year’s 2.179. Board member Joe Works spoke for the majority: “It’s late in game to change it now,” which would have required computations that would have delayed approval.
IN OTHER NEWS, board members:
— Ignored a bid for foundation work on the building trades class house in favor of the students doing the work themselves. Instructor Nathan Ellison told Lewis he was confident in the abilities of students in this year’s program, after the lone bid came in $6,000 higher than one of a couple of years ago. “It will be a good learning tool for them,” said Board member Kyle Seufert. Cleaver Farm and Home, Chanute, had the lower bid for materials, at $28,363.85, for the house that will be constructed at 204 Cherokee St. “I’d like to keep (purchases) in the county,” said Hauser, who asked Lewis to encourage first-time and higher bidder New Klein Lumber, Iola, to be involved with the next house. Works said he’d prefer “us to be more proactive” in pre-construction planning, and decide what will be built and where earlier than in the past.
— Accepted a $2,000 gift from Teresa Stanley Hillsman, a 1975 graduate of Humboldt High, on behalf of her family. She asked that half the money be spent on school supplies, the remainder on personal things students needed.
— Heard brief reports during their “district snapshot” from Megan Hudlin, yearbook editor, Haley Yost, Cub Tracks (newspaper) editor, Bri Yokum, photo editor, and their teacher, Kim Isbell. They all exuded enthusiasm and said planning that started in the summer has them and their products ahead of the game. The first newspaper will come out Thursday.
— Learned elementary and middle school students were being tested to determine where they fit into daily instructional plans.
— Following 50 minutes of executive sessions, Nila Dickerson’s resignation as board treasurer was accepted, Chris Bauer, her deputy, was elevated, and Curt Mueller, a former board member, was appointed deputy. Jaclyn Conkling was hired as paraprofessional for third grade; Tell Wyrick was named wrestling coach; Jerome Riebel, Scholars Bowl coach; Eric Sparks, golf coach, and Thad Wells, middle school assistant football coach.
