Voters in favor of higher St. Libory School tax rate

With all precincts reporting in the St. Libory School District, a tax rate referendum appears to have passed.

According to unofficial results, 141 people voted in favor of keeping the district’s educational tax rate at 2.4508 percent, and 113 voted against the higher rate.

Without voter approval of the referendum, the education fund tax rate for the district would have been 0.92 percent, said Superintendent Stuart Parks.

“We’re very pleased that the voters have confidence in the school district and want to continue to support the school in making sure the children have the best quality education available,” Parks said.

The school district asked voters if it could keep its tax rate permanently at 2.4508 percent of property values. The rate was set five years ago, and originally expired in December.

According to the ballot measure, the extended educational tax rate would bring the district about $305,000.

“The residents of the St. Libory School District are supportive of the school, supportive of the employees and children, continue to want to see progress, and the school to stay open in the future,” Parks said. “This will help assure that.”

Election results are not official until the election canvass takes place, which is scheduled for April.

This story was originally published March 16, 2016 at 3:58 PM with the headline "Voters in favor of higher St. Libory School tax rate."