Freeman schools will seek new levy

Freeman school directors decided Monday to ask for a three-year tax levy similar to what they’re already paying.

The new levy, to be on the Feb. 3 ballot, would combine the current operating and technology levies and increase the total about 5 percent.

“Our goal is to keep it as flat-line as possible for our taxpayers,” Superintendent Sergio Hernandez said.

The combined levy would collect $1,358,000 a year in 2010 through 2012 at an estimated rate of $2.60 per $1,000 of assessed property value.

That compares with expiring, three-year levies that will collect $1,163,803 next year for maintenance and operation costs, and $130,000 for technology, for a total of $1,293,803.

Although the operating and technology levies would be combined, Hernandez said $130,000 a year would still be dedicated to technology.

He said current levies, when approved, were expected to cost a combined $3.78 next year, but new construction and rising property values have driven the estimated rate down to $2.58.

The Freeman School District serves the Rockford, Mica, Valleyford, Hangman Hills and Mount Hope areas. It has the equivalent of 918 full-time students among three schools.