Residents Approve 1.62 Percent School Tax Levy Decrease

It wasn’t a crowd of 200 like last year, but roughly 25 to 30 residents showed their support for Shorewood schools at the district’s annual meeting.

With one vote against, residents approved a $17.9 million tax levy — a 1.62 decrease from last year — and the School Board adopted a $22 million budget, about $2.2 million less than last years.

Former School Board President Paul Zovic, who was elected as chairperson of the annual meeting, said it was really “grassroots government” at work.

The annual meeting typically signals the end of the budget process for the district; however, officials will likely have to revisit the budget and reset the tax levy in mid-October, after the district's state aid become more clear. 

The amount Shorewood receives in state aid is largely determined on the number of resident students enrolled in the district.

Under the levy, the district’s estimated tax rate would be $13.77 per $1,000 of assessed property, a 23-cent decrease. That equates into an decrease of $69 on next year’s taxes for a $300,000 home. Last year, officials estimated the tax rate to be $13.11, but it later rose to $14 after the district revisited it.

Property taxpayers can thank an assessment error for the decrease in the district’s portion of the levy, as it will experience a 17 percent increase in state education funds this school year.

Early estimates had the district looking at a 31 percent increase in state aid, but Business Manager Mark Boehlke said he was told by state officials to expect changes, and the district was conservative when estimating the funds. If the district receives more than the 17 percent, it will likely put those funds toward its energy savings project.

Shorewood estimates its state aid at $4.2 million, which makes up 22 percent of the district’s revenue. The tax levy comprises 66 percent.

School Board salaries were also approved by residents, unchanged at $1,300 for the School Board president and $1,000 for other members.