(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Community School District’s Board of Education held the first of two hearings on both the 2024-25 Proposed District Budget, as published, and the proposed 2024-25 School Calendar.

During the Budget Hearing, only one Atlantic resident, Barbara Stensvad spoke in opposition to the proposed budget. Stensvad said she’s lived in Atlantic for nearly 35 years, and owns two properties, including a B&B. “I consented, however many decades ago, to have my taxes increased for the building of [the High School]. I also agreed to have my taxes increased for our new quarter-of-a million dollar fire engine, so I’m not always ‘anti-tax.”

She said however, “I significantly protest an increase in ANY of this property tax, starting for the Fiscal Year of July 1, 2024. My property taxes have already been escalating over the decade. I feel that there are already too many taxes burdening the residents of Atlantic: The State Sales Tax; The Local Option Sales Tax; The Lodging Tax; The Department of Transportation Tax; Fuel Taxes; Utility Taxes; Storm Water Tax; Employment Tax; Death and Inheritance Taxes.”

Stansvad said “Once taxes are instituted, they are always increasing and never retired. The policy of ‘Tax and Spend’ must stop. The rational of living within your means must be observed.” She concluded by saying, “It’s saddens me that nobody else is here” (to voice their concerns and opinions).

Atlantic resident Barbara Stensvad objects to the proposed ACSD Budget.

Board President Kristy Pellett reminded patrons of the District that there will be a second hearing on the Budget before it is passed.

There were no public comments during a hearing on the school calendar. Following the hearings, the Atlantic School Board went into a Work Session, during which they heard from District Maintenance Director, Russell Peck, with regard to Summer Projects. The Board discussed Summer Programs, and heard information with regard to the District’s Management, SAVE, PPEL and Debt Service Funds, and their respective functions.

Director of Finance/Board Secretary Lisa Jones reported that, as a result of a 2.5% increase for schools approved Wednesday by the Iowa Legislature, the District’s Property Tax asking (Levy) will be down slightly from the previously published rate of $12.92538/$1,000 assessed valuation. The new proposed rate is $12.91524/$1,000, a difference of $5,700.

The Board’s next REGULAR meeting is at 5:30-p.m. on April 10th, in the High School Media Center.