An Argos organization promoting the passage of a property tax levy increase continued promoting the cause Thursday night.
Taxpayers for Argos Schools and Kids (TASK) held a community forum at the Argos United Methodist Church to discuss the measure – which will head to ballot referendum during May 3rd’s primary election.
TASK Chairman Jon Vanderweele says they will continue trying to disseminate information as quickly as possible.
“Sometimes we’ve had some hiccups, but we’ve corrected it and tried to get the information out as quick as we can,” says Vanderweele. “Granted, there are questions everyday. If someone needs new information, we’re going to try to get it for you.”
Under the proposal, the property tax levy would be raised to 61-cents per $100 of assessed valuation.
Argos, like many rural school corporations, is facing reduced state funding levels along with declining student enrollment. To continue maintaining a balanced budget and to promote sound operations, the school corporation is seeking the change in tax rates.
This was not without previous action to reduce expenditures to positions and costs within the corporation.
Last night’s forum brought an opportunity for members of TASK to explain the proposal and for community members to ask questions. Curt Pletcher with Umbaugh and Associates gave those in attendance a bit of history.
“It was a 2008 tax reform that basically changed how Indiana public schools general fund is really funded,” says Pletcher.
Signs showing the mixed opinions of community members line Michigan Street in Argos leading up to the vote.
Reductions in staffing and services are anticipated should the property tax levy increase referendum fail at the ballot box.
[CORRECTION: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the proposal would apply a tax of $.79 per $100 of assessed value. It is, in fact, $.61 per $100 of assessed value.]
