Ottumwa School District seeks to change Instructional Support Levy Tax

OTTUMWA, Iowa (KYOU) - The Ottumwa School District doesn’t renew its instructional support program until 2021, but already the school board is thinking about how to change things up.

For several years, the program has taken a small percentage of property owners' taxes, around $1.80 per $1000.

But that could be changing. The new plan would reduce the property tax rate by around 50 cents, and take it instead of a new income surtax.

John Berg, Chief Financial Officer for the District, estimates that number could be anywhere between one and six percent, but guesses it will average near a three percent average.

These taxes will continue to add to the district’s general fund, which plays salaries and instructional programs for students.

Switching to this tax split isn’t a new idea either, as most districts around Southeastern Iowa already do that for their general fund.

The plan, if accepted, wouldn’t come into effect until the 2021-2022 school year.

The school board will hold a public hearing on October 26th to discuss this program specifically.

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