By GAGE WILSON
For Glasgow News 1
Caverna Independent Schools’ proposed property tax rate generated the most discussion Thursday as board members considered whether to signal support for a potential four-percent revenue increase ahead of a final vote in September.
Although several residents attended the meeting expecting the board to set the district’s tax rate, Thursday’s action was only intended to establish a proposed rate under new guidance from the Kentucky Department of Education. The process is designed to give the public an opportunity to weigh in before the board takes final action.
“We got new guidelines from KDE to help districts be more transparent, so instead of having one board meeting and the board setting the rate at that one meeting, KDE is telling us that you need to have one more meeting where the board discusses it and then they make a motion saying this is what we might do,” Superintendent Amanda Abell explained. “Tonight, what the board has to decide is what we are considering.”
Abell said the board has scheduled a tax hearing from 4 to 5 p.m. Sept. 10 ahead of its regular meeting, when members are expected to adopt the district’s tax rate.
Several individuals spoke during public comment, each encouraging the board to propose the compensating rate of 71.2 cents per $100 of assessed value.
“The compensating rate is what we are asking the board to propose tonight,” said Caverna alumnus Terry Martin. “Last year, Horse Cave was reevaluated for taxes. Even though we took the compensating rate, Caverna school taxes still went up.”
Martin said that after speaking with the Barren County Property Valuation Administrator’s Office, the district would still realize roughly $20,000 in additional revenue by remaining at last year’s rate.
Should the board choose to increase tax revenue by four percent, the rate would rise to 74 cents per $100 of assessed value. By comparison, Glasgow Independent Schools currently levies a rate of 79.1 cents, while Barren County Schools is set at 62.6 cents.
Under the compensating rate, the district would collect approximately $3 million in property tax revenue. A four-percent increase would raise that figure to roughly $3.1 million.
As the board discussed the proposal, differing viewpoints began to emerge.
Board member Gina Lyon made a motion to propose the four-percent increase, saying doing so would recognize the financial pressures facing the district while giving the board additional time to research alternatives before September’s vote. She added that the board could settle on a lower rate if another solution is found.
Chairwoman Jennifer Briggs agreed with Lyon and seconded the motion. However, the initial roll call vote split the board as Wayne Hatcher and Allison Dennison were not comfortable supporting the increase and voted against the motion.
Abell reminded the board that members approved a two-percent raise for faculty in April, increasing district expenses by more than $200,000 annually.
Briggs also noted the district expects enrollment to decline by 112 students compared to last year. Because a significant portion of the district’s budget comes through SEEK funding, which is based in part on attendance and enrollment, fewer students would mean less state revenue.
Board members also discussed an upcoming bond payment of nearly $500,000 tied to district construction projects as another factor weighing on the finances.
“So, we are going to be responsible for paying that, we did give our staff a two-percent raise, we’re responsible for that,” Briggs summarized. “And the third thing is our enrollment is down, and we are responsible for that.”
Briggs said the board plans to examine the reasons behind the district’s enrollment decline before making a final decision, concluding, “Those are the three things this board needs to figure out.”
Following additional discussion, the board ultimately agreed to propose a 74-cent tax rate for public consideration ahead of the Sept. 10 tax hearing.
The board is expected to meet again Sept. 10 for a tax hearing at 4 p.m., followed by its regular meeting at 5 p.m.
Key Facts
• Caverna Board of Education proposes a 74-cent property tax rate per $100 of assessed value for 2026-27.
• The proposed rate reflects a potential 4% increase in property tax revenue, to about $3.1 million.
• Several residents urged the board to adopt the compensating rate of 71.2 cents instead.
• New Kentucky Department of Education guidelines require an initial proposal before a final tax vote.
• A public tax hearing is scheduled Sept. 10 from 4 to 5 p.m., with the regular board meeting at 5 p.m.
• District costs include a 2% staff raise, declining enrollment and a nearly $500,000 bond payment.
• The board is expected to take a final vote on the 2026-27 tax rate at the Sept. 10 meeting.
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