Ottawa Elementary expects tax growth to keep tax rate consistent with past years

The Ottawa Elementary School District is requesting a 5% increase in its tax levy, triggering a truth-in-taxation hearing Tuesday, Dec. 14, at Jefferson Middle School, 1709 Columbus St.

The district is banking on an increase in Ottawa’s equalized assessed value, a metric that measures the area’s property values.

“We’re happy to see that the EAV is projecting to go up significantly,” said Superintendent Cleve Threadgill.

The school district is requesting more than $24 million, which triggers the truth-in-taxation hearing but does not mean a significant increase in the current tax rate, Threadgill said.

“I suspect our rate is going to remain pretty consistent based on the information we have,” Threadgill sais. “It’s good to see growth.”