The Perry County District 32 Board of Education held its annual tax rate hearing Thursday night at the District 32 Central Office.
The board approved the 2026-27 tax rate at $3.4979 per $100 of assessed valuation, an increase of $0.2215 from last year’s rate. The rate increase was due to the passage of Proposition K.I.D.S. during the August 4 Primary Election. Voters chose to allow the $0.2215 increase in order to fund the construction of a new facility for Perryville High School.
“This adjusted tax rate reflects the exact amount approved by voters on August 4 and gives us the financial foundation required to construct a modern, safe new home for Perryville High School,” said Superintendent Dr. Fara Jones. “As site work begins in the coming months, we remain fully dedicated to maintaining fiscal transparency and being strong stewards of our patrons' investment."
The combined valuation of real estate and personal property in the district increased by roughly $11.64 million from $453,927,308 in 2025-26 to $465,571,999 in 2026-27. Assessed valuation across the district has increased by an average of 5.68% annually over the last three years.
Assuming 100% collection, the district is projected to collect roughly $16.29 million in local tax revenue for 2026-27 — an increase of $1.41 million from the previous year. Historically, the district does not collect 100% of tax revenue with an average collection rate of 97.5% over the last three years.
The district will use its projected revenue increase this year to cover debt obligation associated with the PHS construction project.
During Thursday’s meeting, the Board also voted to amend the 2026-27 budget to reflect the new tax rate.