The Gillett School District is projecting a 6.3 percent reduction in its 2014-15 budget, based on preliminary estimates presented to the School Board on June 19.
Last year’s budget was $7.347 million, and the proposed budget is $6.912 million, a reduction of $435,000.
Superintendent Todd Carlson said the reduction is the result of a number of changes, including staffing reductions and a change in health insurance. The district also decided to cut back on projects, like redoing the parking lot, he said.
The reduction in the budget is expected to result in a reduced tax rate for taxpayers. Last year’s mill rate was 11.64, meaning taxpayers paid about $11 per $1,000 of equalized property value. Residents owning $100,000 in property paid $1,100 for the school portion of their property tax bill.
This year’s proposed mill rate is estimated at 10.86, a 6.7 percent reduction.
The budget will be reviewed and tax levy adopted at the annual meeting. A date for the meeting will be scheduled by the School Board on July 17.
The school district receives more than half of its revenue from state aid, which changes yearly with the fluctuation in student enrollment numbers. The district will do the official student count on the third Friday in September, and the corresponding state aid totals will be set.
In October, property values will be tabulated, and tax rates will be finalized.
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