Cal-Mum School tax rate down for 2007-08

   The Caledonia-Mumford Central School Board of Education set the tax rate for the 2007-08 school year at the August 14, 2007 meeting. Property assessments within the district rose one percent which in turn, reduced the tax rate by the same amount. The tax rate varies by town but in Caledonia, property owners will pay $20.76 per thousand of assessed value for this fall’s tax bill. Wheatland property owners will pay $18.66 per thousand. Both rates are about 20 cents per thousand lower than last year. Caledonia and Wheatland comprise nearly 90 percent of the school district.

   The tax levy figure is the total amount of money the school district needs to collect through property taxes and STAR to balance the upcoming school year budget. The tax rate is the dollar figure per thousand dollars of assessed property value that is used to calculate the amount of taxes due by a property owner.

   "When the budget was approved it called for keeping the tax levy at the same level as in 2006-07 ($6.2 million). This year’s tax rate will actually be a one percent less than last year because of a small increase in assessed value in the district," explained Business Manager Patrick Donegan.

   Residents received their school tax bills around the first of September. Payment is due by October 1, 2007. A minimal penalty is assessed for payments made after October 1.