Nine people attended the Newton School Board’s Public hearing on the Proposed 2027 Property Tax Levy Monday night, at the EJH Beard Administration Center. Two of them asked various questions about school finance, and expressed concerns about rising property evaluations and taxes. Newton Superintendent Tom Messenger noted school board members are well aware of property owners’ concerns about their property tax bills, and are doing what they can to keep them as low as possible. 

“In the district, close to 80% of the overall costs in the General Fund comes from salaries and benefits. We are in the process of looking at more reductions again this year. Two years ago, we went from four elementary buildings to three. This year we are going from three to two, as well as looking at the staffing at the middle school and high school as a way of reducing the total number of staff in the district as well.”

Newton’s Director of Business Services, Tim Bloom, says last year’s property tax levy was $15.88 per $1,000 of taxable valuation, while the proposed 2027 levy is $15.80.

The Newton School Board did set another public hearing last night for adoption of the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Certified Budget, with the recommended tax levy. That will be held on Monday, April 27th.