Gateway school board limits property tax rate increases

The Gateway school board has established a cap for raising real estate taxes for the 2019-20 school year, should it need to do so.

With a unanimous vote, the board agreed through resolution it cannot exceed a tax increase beyond 2.7 percent, based on the inflation index set by the state Department of Education.

The board raised property taxes in June 2018 by 2.8 percent, bringing the new millage rate to 19.8675 mills and generating an additional $1.2 million annually. The hike was the first since 2015 and means the owner of a $100,000 home pays about $1,986.

It is not yet clear whether the board will need to raise taxes. A preliminary budget will be ready by mid-February, said Paul Schott, district business manager.

The school board has until June 30 to pass a final budget for the next school year.

Dillon Carr is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Dillon at 412-871-2325, dcarr@tribweb.com or via Twitter @dillonswriting.