Murray residents will be paying higher property taxes this year to make up for what the district will lose under the new equalization law.
The law, often referred to as "Robin Hood," was designed to take money collected in individual districts and distribute it more evenly. The Murray School Board is considering suing over the law.The increase, which means about $4 per year on an $80,000 home, makes up for the $83,973 the district will lose in the 1992-93 school year. The proposed budget was accepted by the board on June 10 and a truth-in-taxation hearing will be Aug. 4 at 7 p.m. At that meeting, public comment will be collected and the budget will face final approval.
Even with the increase, Murray has the lowest property tax rate in Salt Lake County.
Next years enrollment is estimated at 6,516, a decrease of 11 students. No teachers will be cut, although elementary school enrollment is expected to be down by 107 students. Instead, student-teacher ratios will be reduced by an estimated 0.7 students per class.
At the secondary level, enrollment is expected to be up by 96 students. Seven additional secondary teachers will be hired. Transportation funding from the state is still being negotiated. The overall intent of the Legislature was to provide a 3.6 percent increase and Murray's proposed budget reflects that increase.
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(Chart)
Murray school budget
Students School
6,516 11
Largest Expenditures
Proposed
(in millions) 1991-92 1992-93
General operations $18.5 $18.6
Capital outlay $3.2 $2.1
Food service $1.2 $1.0
Largest Revenue Sources:
Local sources** $7.3 $7.6
State funds $10.1 $10.3
Federal fund $0.613 $0.672
***Mainly property
Property Tax Rate:
1991-92 .008014 1992-93 .0080809
Property Tax Hike: yes
An average increase of about $4 on a $80,000 home.