Taxpayers for Argos Schools and Kids is planning several upcoming events to brief the public on a possible increase to their property tax levy.
Whether to apply an additional $.61 per $100 of assessed valuation will go to ballot referendum during May 3rd’s primary election. If approved by voters, about $1-million in revenue is expected to be generated to retain both teachers and extracurricular programs.
TASK Chairman Jon Vanderweele says policy tweaks at the state level are really affecting rural school corporations.
“Many schools have a deficiency now in the general fund for their school system,” says Vanderweele. “And that’s why many schools now are passing, or trying to pass, or attempting to pass, referendums because that referendum money from that tax rate can be used to fund the general fund at the school.”
Keeping its independence is considered important to the organization. Argos Community Schools is the largest employer in the community and Vanderweele says they’re the hub of local involvement. Should the property tax levy increase receive approval in May, it would only be in effect for seven years. After that, the funds are expected to revert to their current levels.
TASK says that by making large investments in their local schools it retains the possibility of attracting families to move to the community, and may even increase property values if they remain an attractive option.
Vanderweele says he hopes local voters consider all the information during their presentations.
“Obviously no one wants to pay more tax,” says Vanderweele. “No one wants to have a lower profit margin, cost per acre to their business. But it’s an individual decision that you have to make to determine whether they feel that the school and the education for those students is necessary within Argos.”
Argos places an importance on maintaining small class sizes. TASK attributes its relatively high standardized test scores to their teacher-to-student ratios.
TASK will be hosting events on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of this week. More information can be found on their website: www.yes4Argosschools.com
