The Mars School Board will not commit to an increase in tax millage rate for next year below the index set by the state.
The board made the decision by a 6-3 vote Tuesday night, which if approved would have locked them in to a maximum millage increase of 3 percent when planning the budget for the 2021-2022 school year.
This index figure is set by the state annually. It is not possible to raise taxes over that rate unless permission is granted for specific exceptional circumstances. Recent projections have Mars dealing with a $1.3 million deficit for the upcoming budget.
The board plans to meet further to discuss finances and has until January 28th to request state approval to tax above the index. Mars has never petitioned the state to increase taxes beyond the state index.
