Bardstown school board to consider tax hike for 4 percent revenue increase

By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio

Board member Andy Stone makes a point at Tuesday’s meeting of the Bardstown Board of Education.

Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014, 9 p.m. — The Bardstown Board of Education voted in a special meeting Tuesday evening to propose raising the city school district’s tax rate from 72.7 to 75.3 cents per $100 value on real estate and personal property.

If approved, the move will provide the district with 4 percent more revenue than last year’s tax rate, which amounts to $294,793.82.

“This is not a 4 percent tax rate increase, but a 4 percent revenue increase over last year,” Holsclaw told the board.

Superintendent Brent Holsclaw told the board its options included:

— accepting the compensating tax rate, which brings in the same revenue as the preceding year;

— setting the tax rate for an approximate 4 percent revenue increase, and;

— setting the tax rate to create a revenue increase of more than 4 percent.

Tax rates are set using information that evaluates the changes in the appraised values of property in the district. The board must set the tax rates by Sept. 9th.

“This is one of the most difficult decisions we make from year to year because we have such a concern for our community,” Holsclaw told the board. “We take it very seriously.”

“The bottom line is we have to do what is best for these students,” Jim Roby told his fellow board members. “That 4 percent increase every year provides facilities for our students. We’re fortunate to be able to provide an above-average education for our students. Unfortunately, this is part of it.”

WHAT’S NEXT: The board will hold a public hearing 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18, and then consider final approval on the tax rate at its regular board meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 19.

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