HOWARD — Early voting on the East Knox School District’s emergency operating levy starts today. Residents in part of Clay Township; Butler, Harrison, Howard and Jackson townships; and part of Monroe Township and Union/Gann are being asked to approve a five-year 4.97-mill property tax levy. If approved, the levy will cost homeowners about 50 cents per $100 of valuation per year.
In May, the East Knox school board voted to place the levy on the ballot in order to offset an approximate $1 million budget deficit projected for fiscal year 2011. The board determined the additional revenue is needed in spite of what it said are substantial cost containment measures taken in the past two years. Treasurer Jessi Busenburg said operating funds are used to purchase items such as instructional supplies, pay for utilities and other necessities and to compensate employees.
Kim Horn, director of the Knox County Board of Elections, said voters may pick up and complete an absentee ballot appplication and vote at the board of elections during regular busines hours, or call 393-6716 for an application to have an absentee ballot mailed to them. Absentee requests may also be found on the board of elections website. Upon receipt of the application, the board of elections will mail a ballot to the individual requesting one. The BOE must receive absentee applications no later than noon on July 31.
July 6 is the final deadline for voter registration for the Aug. 3 special election. Horn said the usual polling places in the school district will be open on Aug. 3 from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
