Columbia public schools calling for another tax levy increase

Two years after asking taxpayers for a twelve cent tax levy increase, the Columbia Public School district plans to ask for another 4 cents.

This is part of just one bond issue the district hopes voters approve over the next seven years.

By 2020, the total could reach $170 million in bonds.

In order to reach that number, the school district hopes to ask for voter approval every two years starting this coming April.

This April officials want to put a $50 million bond on the ballot. This will bring the four cent levy tax increase.

“We thought it might be an 8 cent increase but because the assess evaluations picked up and the finances have improved so its only a 4 cent increase,” says superintendent Dr. Chris Belcher.

Belcher told ABC 17 News that the district recognizes the back to back request for a hike in taxes, but after 2014 the bond issues will not include a tax levy request.

As of now, the bond requests will be $40 million every two years until 2020.

The money from these bonds goes towards technological advancements, building expansion, and all other building improvements.