MPS unveils 2020-21 budget

McCOOK, Neb. — The property tax amount requested by McCook Public Schools for this year’s budget is 2% higher than last year’s, but the tax rate has been decreased slightly.

The McCook Board of Education will open its meeting Monday night with two hearings concerning the 2020-21 budget, one for the public comment on the budget and another setting the property tax request.

Later in the regular meeting, the McCook School Board will be asked to approve both the budget and a resolution for the tax request.

The property tax levy for McCook Public Schools for next year decreased less than 1%, from the prior rate of $1.120186 to $1.118834.

According to the resolution, the total assessed value of the property differs from last year’s total assessed value by 1.65 %.

The property tax request for the general fund, bond fund, and special building funds increased from last year by 2%, for a total of $8.67 million.

The total operating budget for this year exceeds last year’s by 2.22%, according to the tax resolution.

Other business at the meeting Monday night, that begins 6:30 p.m. at Conference Room B at the senior high, includes:

- Presentation from Cindy Huf from the McCook Foundation, concerning the presentation of a check, recent grants received and future participation with McCook Public Schools;

- Oath of office administered to high school student council member Alec Langan, to serve on the school board in a non-voting position;

-Approval of local substitute certificates.

The board will also be asked to approve the “McCook Public Schools Guide to Re-opening Schools and Maintain Operations” document and give the superintendent the authority to make changes to the document as conditions warrant, and three policies: Student Attendance; Student Fees; and Title IX - Procedure for Complaints of Sexual Harassment.