The Covington City Board of Education last week decided to cut the property tax rate by 17%, following a similar move by the city, citing rising property valuations in the city.

Alvin Garrison of the Metropolitan Police recommended a rate of 89.5 cents. This is his 18.6 cents reduction from last year’s tax rate of 108.1 cents. The district also lowered the personal property tax rate from 108.3 cents to he 100.2 cents.

“Tax rates haven’t been this low since 2003,” says Garrison.

If adopted, the new property tax rate would mean that owners of homes in the district worth $100,000 would pay $895 in property taxes. The amount a resident pays is determined by the home’s appraisal valuation.

The school district does not cover the entire city of Covington, and Kenton County School District serves various areas.

According to Annette Burtschy, Covington’s former financial director from 2012 to 2020, the board didn’t raise property taxes during that period, even though it had the opportunity. But starting in 2021, she said, in the 2022 school year, the school district voted to increase property tax rates.

Burtschy warned that while the board is proposing to cut the tax rate by 17%, not all residents will see the rate cut.

The Covington Board of Education will use the proceeds from property taxes to keep Covington’s teacher and staff salaries on par with other northern Kentucky districts, update technology and facilities, and improve the district’s It says it plans to address the needs associated with the growing English population. learner.

“We believe in giving our students, teachers, staff and community the very best,” said Garrison. “They definitely deserve it”