METAMORA, Ill. – The Metamora Grade School District says it’s in desperate need of a property tax hike, so it’s going to voters to decide the issue.
On the March primary election ballot will be a request for voters in District 1 in Woodford County to raise the Education Fund levy from $1.52 per $100 of assessed value, to $2.31.
Superintendent Ben Lee tells 25 News that would stave off any further budget cuts and layoffs of staff.
“Should the referendum pass, that means we’re going to be able to operate,” Lee told 25 News. “If it does not pass, then we’re going to have to take a major detour and redefine what education looks like in Metamora.”
If approved by voters, Lee says, it would be the first such levy increase since 1988. Levy rates under state law can be approved without voters if they’re increases of under five percent.
Lee says an increase would also mean likely not having to consolidate with another district.
“We’re in the lowest 7th percentile in the entire state when it comes to educational spending,” Lee said. “There’s not anymore that we can cut.”
CLICK HERE for more information on the referendum.
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