School levy, budget down for 2005-06

McCook Public Schools' board of education this evening will conduct special hearings and a public hearing to discuss the nearly $20 million budget and a tax levy of $1.136114 per $100 valuation for 2005-2006. Both figures are lower than last year.

At 6 p.m., in the junior high conference room, educators will conduct a hearing to determine whether the school should implement the authority to exceed the state-mandated basic allowable growth rate of 2.50 percent and access the applicable allowable growth rate of 3.7536 percent. During the budget hearing that follows, educators will accept comments on the budget of $19,950,616.25.

This figure of total expenditures compares to $22,030,811 for the 2004-05 school year.

The 2005-06 budget will require taxes in the amount of $4,712,293.65, which compares to $4,966,000 in 2004-2005.

During the regular board meeting, board members will conduct a public hearing to consider approval of the tax request resolution.

Also during the regular meeting, board members will consider exceeding the $1.05 levy limitation by $128,115, an amount equal to the reduction in state aid.

Regular board meeting agenda items will include a resolution on the tennis courts; the approval of a contract and the intramural/activities coordinator position and compensation package; an update on construction at McCook Elementary; approval of final bills on the Weiland Field concession-locker room facility; and the acceptance of two computers and supplies from Wal-Mart/Frito Lay.