Hardy County Schools board approves proposed levy rates, to publish figures for public notice

The Hardy County Schools board voted 5-0 to approve a set of proposed levy rates and move them forward for public notice and state review.

A staff member presenting the levy packet told the board the figures are being proposed now so they can be printed in the newspaper for two weeks before the board holds a later meeting to formally set the levy. "The 5%, for uncollectibles and the 2% for tax discounts are what we've always used," the staff member said, explaining how the figures feed into the current expense levy calculation. The presenter also cited the assessor valuation factor as 1.85 and pointed to a bond-related line item the municipal bond commission set at $1,640,169.

Why it matters: approving the proposed rates is a procedural but required step that allows the public notice period to begin and triggers state review; the vote does not set the final levy rate. Board members asked for clarification about which percentages are set by the state and which are local assumptions; the staff member said some valuation and percentage inputs are provided by state offices and the municipal bond commission.

Board action and next steps: the board moved and seconded the proposal and the chair called the vote, which carried unanimously. The board will publish the proposed rates in the newspaper for two weeks and will meet again to set the final levy rate after state review.