The Knox County Board of Education conducted a special called meeting on Monday, August 24, 6:45 pm, at the Board of Education Annex Building (199 Daniel Boone Drive, Barbourville.)
The purpose of the meeting was to set real estate and personal property tax rates for 2020-2021. Also on the agenda were items to advertise for bids for clothing, shoes, PPE and nursing supplies. The opportunity to bid is being extended to seek additional interested vendors.
The meeting was limited to a maximum of ten (10) people, including school board members and staff, pursuant to the Coronavirus Guidelines of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control; the 03/12/2020 Meeting Protocols for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) issued by the Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, KRS 61.810(1)(k), KRS 61.826, OAG 20-05 and SB 150.
Action to set Real Estate, Personal Property, Aircraft and Watercraft Taxes for 2020-2021
Finance Officer Gertrude Smith presented the Board with the real estate and personal property tax calculations from the Kentucky Department of Education. According to Knox County property valuation data, there is a net increase of $20,168,517 in real estate in Knox County and an increase of $2,208,718 in tangible property for which will be subject to taxation. Last year’s school tax rate was 54.8. The increase in the property values in Knox would allow the district to set a compensating rate of 53.5 for real estate and 53.9 for personal property, both less than last year’s 54.8, yet would generate the same amount of tax revenue for the school district. The Board discussed the rate remaining unchanged at 54.8 or accepting the lower rate of 53.5 and 53.9. Superintendent Sprinkles shared with the Board that based on the impact that COVID-19 has had on the community, he would recommend that the Board take the compensating rate. After discussion, the lower compensating rates of 53.5 for real estate and 53.9 for personal property was approved.
Action to advertise for bids for Clothing and Shoes – Alternate Bid
Superintendent Sprinkles shared with the Board that there was a need to seek additional interested bidders for clothing and shoes to serve the Lynn Camp area. The bids that were previously submitted and accepted were geographically convenient to schools around Barbourville and east. The Board voted to readvertise for clothing and shoes.
Action to advertise for bids for PPE and Nursing Supplies – Alternate Bid
The Board voted to extend the deadline for submitting bids for PPE and nursing supplies. Superintendent Sprinkles shared with the Board that as more schools open, there will be greater demand for supplies. The Board voted to extend the deadline for submitting bids.
Official minutes of the August 24 meeting will be available after approval at the September 28 meeting.