School Boards Ok Emergency Levies

Wed., Sept. 10, 1997

From Staff And Wire Reports

Enrollment growth in Lakeland and Post Falls school districts in Idaho prompted approval of emergency levies at school board meetings this week, boosting area taxpayers’ responsibilities.

State law allows districts to collect additional taxes without a public vote if school enrollment rises over the previous year.

Lakeland passed a $326,433 emergency levy in order to hire five more teachers and additional support staff. This year’s increase of 171 students amounts to 4.5 percent growth - putting enrollment at an all-time high of 3,810 students. The emergency levy is an increase over last year’s $295,161 additional tax revenue.

On $53,000 of taxable property (after the homeowner’s exemption), taxpayers will see an increase of $20.06.

The Post Falls School District approved a $115,750 emergency levy, Monday night, which is a decrease from last year’s $350,000 levy.

On $50,000 of taxable value (after the homeowner’s exemption), a Post Falls resident will see a $6.60 increase.

Business manager Sid Armstrong said the money will help pay for part-time teachers and bus drivers needed for the double shifting that began this year.

“The double shift caused us some situations where the numbers just didn’t work out right, and we had to hire some part-time staff,” Armstrong said. , DataTimes

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