Dear Indian River Community,
I’m writing to inform you about an important change in the way Inland Lakes Schools will collect taxes. Starting in the summer of 2025, we will shift from our current winter-only tax levy to collecting taxes twice a year—once in the summer and once in the winter.
While the total amount of taxes you pay will remain the same, this new approach will allow us to better manage our finances throughout the year. This shift aligns with a growing trend among Michigan school districts to adopt dual tax levies, as it provides significant financial advantages. By spreading the tax collection over two periods, we can maintain a steadier cash flow throughout the year and avoid cash shortfalls that force us to borrow from the state.
Currently, relying on a winter-only tax levy means we often need to request state aid during the summer and fall months. This requires taking out loans that come with, at times, high interest payments. This adds unnecessary costs to our district's budget. By switching to a dual tax levy, we can reduce or eliminate the need for these loans & interest payments allowing us to continue our priority of fiscal responsibility. This also ensures that more of our financial resources are directed toward the high-quality services and programs that benefit our students and staff.
This decision not only allows us to be more efficient with our resources but also places us in a stronger financial position to support future initiatives and needs without relying on borrowing. It's truly the best decision for the long-term financial health of our district.
We appreciate your understanding and ongoing support as we make this transition to a more sustainable and cost-effective system.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Fairbanks, Superintendent
Tim Burg, School Board President