Hamilton board hears tax‑levy explanation; district submitted a 4% maximum allowable levy

Cody Crum walked the board through the calculation behind Hamilton’s submitted maximum allowable tax levy and the district’s budget timeline.

Crum said the district had previously projected a 3.98% maximum allowable increase but the form ultimately submitted to the state comptroller recorded a 4% maximum allowable levy. He attributed the outcome to three factors: the baseline 2% (or CPI‑based) calculation, a local tax‑base growth factor specific to Hamilton that added roughly 1%, and a capital exclusion for local debt service tied to the district’s recent capital project. Small adjustments tied to employer retirement system (ERS) contribution changes accounted for the marginal difference.

On state aid, Crum characterized the legislative proposals as more favorable than the governor’s initial plan and said both the senate and assembly appeared to be proposing restoration of foundation aid with a minimum increase. He cautioned that final state action will not be known until after the state budget and recommended contingency planning.

Crum reminded the board that the district’s next regular meeting is April 16 and that the budget must be adopted in time to meet reporting and vote deadlines in late May; he said staff may schedule additional meetings in early April if needed.

Key quote: “Our actual maximum that was submitted was exactly 4 percent.” (C. Crum)

What’s next: staff will continue budget work, hold public budget coffees and prepare materials for the board prior to the April 16 meeting and the May 21 budget vote.