Public can see Highlands budget that would raise property tax

Highlands School Board has approved a proposed final $46.2 million 2019-20 budget which includes a 3.3% property tax increase, the maximum the state allows for the district without a referendum or special exceptions.

The school board approved the proposed final budget Monday.

The 0.81 mill increase would raise the district’s millage from 24.63 mills to 25.44 mills.

For a home assessed at $100,000, that would add about $81 in taxes.

The district also would use $1.6 million from its reserves to cover spending.

Residents can see the budget at the district’s administrative center, located at the rear of Highlands High School.

The budget is available during normal office hours, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays. No appointment is required, district spokeswoman Jennifer Goldberg said.

The district’s preliminary budget and a presentation on the proposed final budget are available on the district’s website. They can be found under departments, business office, 2019-20 budget information.

The school board plans to vote on the budget when it meets at 7 p.m. June 24. The board’s agenda planning meeting is June 17. The board meets in the audion at Highlands High School.

Both meetings are one week later in June due to the budget and the time required for public inspection before a vote can be taken.