Garretson, SD (KELO-AM) A group called "Invest in YES" was successful with it's campaign to have Garretson School District voters opt out of the state's general fund property tax limits. Garretson School District Superintendent Guy Johnson said Tuesday's voter turnout was high, with over 800 making their mark.That was In the end, the opt out passed unofficial tally for the election shows 472 for, 360 against the measure. The tally will be validated at an upcoming school board meeting.
Johnson says the move will garner an estimated $500,000 per year for the district. He estimates owner-occupied properties will see an estimate $150.00 per year tax hike, while agricultural properties could see tax increses $54.00 per $100,000 in tax value. Some properties, depending on use, may see up to $328.00 per $100,000 tax valuation increases. The Superintendent says much of the money will help sustain both academic and extracurricular programs.
The need for more money was helped out by Governor Daugaard's signature on three bills that directed more money to school districts and provided some property tax relief.