District 13's proposed budget will need 60 percent

District 13 homeowners will see an increase of more than $100 in the elementary portion of their school tax bill if the proposed budget is approved by voters in May.

The Board of Education adopted a $43.2 million budget for the 2012-13 school year which would raise spending by 1.6 percent. The tax levy would increase by 3.5 percent, just under the district’s allowable increase of 3.52 percent.

The average homeowner would see their tax bill rise by $114 next year, or “31 cents a day,” according to Meredith Brosnan, the district’s assistant superintendent for business.

Brosnan said there are a few reasons why the allowable increase is greater than 2 percent. First, she said, there is new property on the tax rolls with the construction of the Dutch Gate senior housing complex. Additionally, the district will increase its capital spending next year to complete some building repairs.

Although the tax levy increase is under the “tax cap,” the budget won’t pass unless 60 percent of voters approve it, because of a second proposition on the ballot. The voter requested referendum, to increase transportation eligibility for students, would add an additional $296,000 to the budget if it passes.