This year's tax levy will be a main topic of discussion when Unit 5 meets tonight. (WJBC file photo)

By Zach Dietmeier

NORMAL - Unit 5 is going to see an increase in the tax levy.

Superintendent Gary Niehaus said the school board will discuss falling property values that may result in a loss of $1 million to the Education Fund.

"We've had it in front of our finance committee, and the finance committee is now going to bring that in front of the board," said Niehaus. "What we're really looking at is a flat tax rate from where it has been to where it needs to be."

Niehaus said property revenue is a major source of income for Unit 5. The levy increase is a projected three cents.

"Those are things that happen to us as we go through the process of trying to do the bonding interest as well as the rest of the levy. We want to keep it as level as possible."

Since the end of September, Unit 5 notices of property tax appeals are up almost 100 percent. The board meets at 7p.m. at the Unit office on Hovey.

Zach can be reached at Zach.Dietmeier@cumulus.com.