HOWARD — Tuesday is the date
of a special election which may affect the financial future of the East Knox
School District.
Voters in Butler, Harrison, Howard, Jackson, Union/Gann townships, and parts
of Clay and Monroe townships are being asked to approve a five-year, 4.97-mill
property tax levy. The funds raised through the levy will be used for the general
operating expenses of the school district, such as supplies, utilities, salaries
and benefits.
If approved, the levy will cost the owner of a $100,000 home $152 a year, $76
a half year, or about $12.66 a month. Residents should call the school board
office for a more accurate estimate of how the levy will impact their property
taxes.
“It’s an urgent issue. We’re looking to maintain the quality
programs that we do have, and looking to continue to provide a quality education
to all our students,” said Matt Caputo who will take over as school superintendent
next week.
“There have been deep budget cuts,” Caputo continued. “We needed
to know in August, prior to the start of the school year, whether there is any
possibility we could bring back high quality programs with integrity.”
The special election for the 5,895 registered voters in the Knox County district
will cost about $7,000, according to Knox County Board of Elections Director
Kim Horn. The estimated cost includes polling place rental fees, poll workers’ pay
and mileage, polling location supplies, absentee ballot stock and envelopes,
postage and advertising.
The usual polling places in the East Knox district will be open on Tuesday from
6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
