The Hillsboro R-III School District Board of Education will hold a Tax Rate Hearing to establish the district’s tax levy for the upcoming fiscal year. The hearing will take place prior to the Board’s adoption of the 2025-26 tax rate, in accordance with Missouri state law.

Statement of Issue

Each year, the Board of Education must set the tax rate for the district’s various funds for the upcoming fiscal year. State law requires that a public hearing be held before the tax rate is officially adopted.

Pursuant to Missouri Statute RSMo 67.110, school districts are required to hold a public hearing and set their tax rates prior to October 1. The law also mandates that notice of the hearing be published in a local newspaper or posted in at least three public locations within the district boundaries at least seven days before the hearing.

Historically, the Hillsboro R-III School District schedules the hearing after the Board of Equalization finalizes assessed property values in late August. This timing allows for a more accurate calculation of the tax rate, since reductions to assessed values may occur during the equalization process.

Rationale and Justification

Waiting until the final assessed values are released ensures the most accurate determination of the district’s tax rate. This approach maximizes fiscal responsibility by aligning revenue projections with the most reliable property value data. Setting the hearing date also ensures that the district can properly publish the required notice and comply with all statutory deadlines.

Cost Analysis

There is no direct cost to setting the hearing date. However, the hearing and subsequent tax rate adoption directly influence the district’s revenue and funding distribution for the year, making it a critical step in supporting educational services for students.

Community Participation

The Tax Rate Hearing is open to the public, and community members are welcome to attend. Following the hearing, the Board of Education will take formal action to set the tax rate for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Hillsboro R-3 School District