By Tanya De Jesus
tdejesus@kcautv.com
When voters said "no" to an opt-out in Yankton, SD the school district knew it was in financial trouble. So now it's back with another proposal and that's causing a lot of controversy.
The school district in Yankton has cut 34 jobs and dropped several courses in just the last year. The district says it had to make tough cuts because it's facing a $2.2 million deficit. Now some South Dakota lawmakers are trying to get voters on board with a new plan to get the district more cash.
"I just wanted to come lend my personal support, having lived for 22 and a half years here with my wife and our son, to the school district. He's received a tremendous education here," said Matt Michels, South Dakota's Lt. Governor.
And state representative Bernie Hunhoff says, "I just think that they've reached a time in their budget process where they're just really strapped and they just need a bridge to get through the next couple of years."
The district is asking the town to approve an opt-out of the state's property tax freeze. If voters approve, it would raise $2.8 million dollars in 2 years. But not everyone is on board, including businessman Rick Althoff.
"I'm certainly not against any opt–out if it's justifiable. In this particular instance I find that is not justifiable," said Althoff.
Althoff says a bond the community approved 20 years ago for the construction of the high school will be paid off at the end of the year. so he's prepared these flyers to let you know that because of that, voting no for the opt–out will mean a big tax break in the near future.
"All property owners within the district can expect a decrease, an absolute decrease in the amount of taxation towards their property of up to 13%," said Althoff.
The school board says it wants to take that levy for the high school bond and repurpose it for the opt-out. So if folks approve this is what will happen: Homeowners will pay the same tax rate, agricultural property owners would have a decrease of 40% but commercial property taxes would go up about $1.15 per $1,000.
Folks in Yankton will get the opportunity to vote on the opt–out on February 28th.
