Deer Lakes' preliminary budget includes no tax increase

Deer Lakes School District has approved a $38.9 million preliminary budget for the 2020-2021 school year that includes no increase in property taxes.

The tax rate remains 21.953 mills in the preliminary budget. A homeowner with a property assessed at $107,493 would continue to owe $2,359 in taxes.

“The school board voted not to increase taxes during the pandemic over concerns that increased taxes might have an adverse impact on our community at this time,” said Business Manager Jennifer Emmonds.

Board members voted 8-1 to pass the proposed budget, with school director Phil Ziendarski dissenting. Attempts to reach Ziendarski for comment weren’t successful.

The district expects to lose $1.2 million as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. It will use its $5.2 million reserve fund balance to balance the budget, Emmonds said.

The school board will vote to adopt a final budget at its June 16 meeting.