North Platte Board of Education tables vote on tax authority increase

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) - The North Platte Public Schools Board of Education has voted to table a proposal that would increase the school district’s base growth percentage - used to determine its property tax request authority by up to 5%.

The decision came Thursday evening during the board’s monthly committee of the whole meeting.

Associate Superintendent Dr. Damon McDonald emphasized to board members that the proposal would not necessarily result in a request for additional taxes. It would, however, give the board authority to request more if needed or if needed by future boards.

“The money that we have coming in is more than we had last year. Make it work. That is how everybody in the world has to make it work; the school district should be able to as well, and it should not impact the children,“ said Ward Two Representative Angela Blaesi.

Ward One Representative Skip Altig expressed concern that not voting in favor could negatively impact future stakeholders within the school district.

“Our taxpayers are struggling just like we are, and even if we are not using it, the optics of saying we are increasing it. If you are someone struggling to pay rent every month, and we are like, well, we are going to increase that just because our bills are going up, I can see why our taxpayers are a little frustrated with us,“ said Altig.

Board President Emily Garrick expressed skepticism similar to Blaesi.

“Our taxpayers are struggling just like we are, and even if we are not using it, the optics of saying we are increasing it. If you are someone struggling to pay rent every month, and we are like, well, we are going to increase that just because our bills are going up, I can see why our taxpayers are a little frustrated with us,“ said Garrick.

After tabling the measure, the item is expected to be next discussed at the next Board of Education meeting on September 8.