Unified Says There's 3 Ways They Will Keep Tax Rates Flat

RACINE, WI — As Racine Unified School district officials prepare for an April 7 election in which voters will either approve or reject a massive 30-year schools referendum, district officials are moving to explain how their referendum would keep taxpayers' property tax rates flat.

The District developed a $710 million facilities overhaul that would address needs at every building in the district over the next 30 years. The referendum asks voters for $598 million over a period of 30 years.

In their master plan, district officials have addressed needs at every school. Some needs are more urgent, and need to be addressed right away. Others are more strategic, with expected project dates ranging out to between 10 and 20 years from now.

On Monday evening, the Board of Education unanimously approved a policy that requires Racine Unified School District administration to keep the tax rate related to the referendum flat for the term of the referendum.

For residents wondering how that might be possible when looking at new spending that will address more than $500 in building and improvement projects, the district published an explainer video that showed how it's possible.

You can watch that video here.

Related Reading

Inside RUSD's $598 Million Proposed Referendum: Top Projects

How Would RUSD Referendum Keep Tax Rate Flat?

• What's going on in Wisconsin? Find Out Here
• Want More News? Subscribe to our free newsletter service.
• Want to submit an article? It's easy

According to Unified officials, keeping residents' tax bills is based on three factors: replacing expiring tax levies with new spending dollar for dollar, taking advantage of state aid, and relying on projections which indicate growth in Racine's economy.

"First, the district has existing tax levies expiring in the coming years, as these levies end, this new referendum," district officials said in the video. "We're asking taxpayers to consider a proposal that would continue the investment they're currently making in their schools."

"Second, more state funds are available to improve our schools. For every dollar the district spends on referendum facility improvements, the state picks up 30 cents," district officials said.

"Finally, projects show Racine's economy is growing, which will expand our property tax base and provide tax relief for our residents," according to the district.