Agent Alex Heyen Shares Insight on Proposed Millard Public Schools Levy with Channel 3 KMTV News

The Millard Public School District is located on the west side of Omaha Nebraska. It oversees the operations of 36 total Omaha Public Schools including 5 high schools, 7 middle schools, 26 elementary schools, and 25 preschools. 

Recently the Millard Public School District has asked voters living within the district boundaries to re-approve a tax levy override that was originally passed in 2017. This override would allow the school district to receive taxes from property owners in the district of up to 9 cents per $100 of property valuation in tax monies to fund the schools. This is more than the state law currently allows without approval from taxpayers through a vote. 

Currently, the district has a levy in place of $1.21 per $100 of property value. The levy vote will be conducted with all-mail in ballots that need to be submitted in the mail and in the proper place by March 14. Ballots were recently sent out in the mail to all Millard District registered voters. If you are not currently a registered voter and live in Douglas or Sarpy County you can register until March 3rd in person at your county election office. 

A levy will increase tax revenue to help fund operations in the schools within the district. This is different from a bond that funds expansions and construction. District superintendent John Schwartz stated that without the levy which passed with 63% support in 2017, cuts will need to be made. It would also make staffing more difficult. 

The Millard Public School District has a history of being financially frugal by not taking more than half of the nine cents per $100 authorized by voters in the past. District superintendent Schwartz has said the district has held up on its promise to never take more than is ultimately needed to keep schools stable. This current levy is the second-lowest in the metro area. 

On February 22 our own Alex Heyen shared his thoughts on the levy with local KMTV Channel 3 news. Alex shared about how he lives in the district and has three kids that attend Millard schools. He is in support of the measure hoping to see schools funded and supported to keep operating with quality staff and facilities. 

He noted that the quality of schools and also the tax rates can play a significant part in the desirability to live in an area. He is wondering if the vote may turn out differently for the levy this time. Alex sited that right now property owners are concerned with the current cost of items. Though he supports the levy he also understands the concerns of people worried about rising costs especially as important items like gas and eggs and more have increased making the cost of living a bigger concern. 

If you have questions about how the current levy might impact an Omaha home purchase in the district boundaries ( within Douglas or Sarpy counties) please contact us any time. 

For more information on anything regarding Omaha real estate please contact us any time.