Teutopolis School Board Discusses Tax Levies

Teutopolis School Superintendent Bill Fritcher told his school board members Monday night that he is looking at a fiscal year tax levy almost 11% above what was actually extended in taxes last year.

Fritcher said, "I set it high; I know I set it high." He said it's an effort to make sure the district gets all of the funding possible in property tax revenue.

Fritcher said he's been told there are 14 new homes this year outside the Tax Increment Financing districts in the village. The levy will total $5,226,642. The equalized assessed value of property in the Teutopolis district is up over 6%.

Just because a certain amount is levied for doesn't mean that's the amount that will be received. Fritcher explained that if the district doesn't levy enough, it could lose out on tax revenue.

Final action on the levy will come later.

In the meantime, the Board discussed a hearing on the amount of Bond and Interest funds that could be received toward the cost of the high school construction and demolition project. The amount could be as great at $6.4 to $6.5 million, but would be a "not to exceed" amount, not necessarily what would be sought.

Fritcher said he is proceeding on the assumption that the project would involve demolition of the 1929 and 1949 portions of the high school building and construction of seven classroom buildings, with an option to build nine classrooms. The bids are expected by the end of November.

There was a little confusion discussed from last month. Board members stressed that the demolition work is expected to cost about $500,000; a $1.3 million figure cited last month also involved renovation of two classrooms for a band room, a passageway to connect the two remaining portions of the building, and heating and air-conditioning work.

Fritcher and the Board members present also discussed questions submitted by a District resident about the project. Member Chad Hewing said there are no grant dollars for a school district from historic preservation funds. Other answers: no project manager was hired, the architecture firm will oversee the project; there were concerns about tying together the structure if the front part of the 1929 portion was kept and the rear part taken down; and there would not be enough room for the addition if the 1929 and 1949 portions were not removed.

There was discussion, too, of seeking Tax Increment Financing funds from the Village of Teutopolis since some of the revenue generated for work in the TIF district would otherwise go to the school district. The discussion was whether to seek a lump sum amount from the Village or whether to return annually for funds. The consensus seemed to be get the bids on the high school project, then ask the Village for funds.

Local entrepreneur and businessman Rick Siemer said Teutopolis has been good at generating wealth, and cautioned to take safeguards so the courses pursued in allocating that wealth "don't get us in a lot of trouble."

Also, the Board heard that test scores indicate the bulk of students fared well, that the attendance rate is excellent, and that the teacher attendance rate and their retention rate in the district is well above State average.

Board members Troy Ozenkoski and Leon Gobczynski were both absent Monday night.