Hubbard school district will go back to voters with reduced levy

February 15, 2017 at 12:00a.m.

HUBBARD

Hubbard School District officials will go back to voters this spring for levy approval after district residents rejected a heftier version of the tax last November.

During the May 2 primary election, voters will weigh in on a five-year, 4.8-mill operating levy.

The new tax, which proponents say is necessary to avert an operating deficit, would generate $986,000 annually and cost the owner of a $100,000 home $168 each year.

Hubbard City Councilman Benjamin Kyle, a member of a committee in favor of the levy, said the district decided to reduce the levy’s millage and time period in the wake of the previous proposal’s failure.

“We’re listening to the voters,” Kyle said. “We’re extremely proud of Hubbard schools, and we want to keep up the level of education. ... We’re here for the people of Hubbard, and we want to answer any questions.”

The levy committee has a website at www.hubbardlevy2017.com.

During the November general election, 54.81 percent of 6,827 voters rejected the 10-year, 7.1-mill levy. That levy would have generated $1.44 million annually to offset state funding cuts.

The failed tax measure would have cost the owner of a $100,000 home $248.50 each year.

In the wake of the levy’s defeat, the district cites about $453,000 cut from its $22 million yearly budget. The district expects to spend $50,000 less on materials and supplies this school year. It also expects to save $60,000 annually due to renegotiation of vendor and service contracts, such as those for life insurance, garbage removal, telephones and cleaning chemicals.

Additionally, officials have projected the district will save $343,000 by not replacing employees who are slated to retire at the end of the school year.

The district employs about 225 people and enrolls close to 2,000 students.