Nic Budget Would Give Taxpayers A Break

Calls for constraint from several sides prompted North Idaho College officials to propose a budget giving the average taxpayer a break.

Administrators will unveil an $18.7 million 1995-96 budget plan to the Board of Trustees, who will adopt a final version next month.

Rolland Jurgens, dean of administration, said the proposal represents a 6.9 percent increase over the current one, but a decrease in the tax rate from $1.70 to $1.40 per $1,000 assessed value.

Based on figures from the county clerk, the average homeowner could pay 3.7 percent less next year.

Jurgens said the only growth in the budget portion paid by the county will be from new property on the tax rolls.

The attempt to contain the budget represents the administration’s awareness of taxpayers’ concerns, the county commissioners’ appeal for constraint and the trustees’ directive.” Jurgens said.

If the budget is adopted, it will be the first time in several years the college has not opted for its maximum levy rate.

NIC received a 9.9 percent increase in state funding. Higher tuition and fees also will offset the tax rate, Jurgens said. , DataTimes