Hardin-Central School District is proposing a $0.75 property tax levy increase to be added to the April 2025 ballot. Residents will vote on whether to approve this increase, which will determine the revenue the schools receive for operations, staffing and programs. The levy is based on assessments of property values. “Over the past five years, we have raised the base salary for teachers by $7,500,” said Hardin -Central School District Superintendent Austin Purvis. “The current cost of increasing staff pay is $240,000, and the projected deficit spending for the 2024-2025 school year is $190,000.” The current General Operating Levy is $4.8182, while the suggested new amount is $5.5682. There is no current debt service levy. In comparison, Purvis noted tax levies for surrounding areas as: Orrick- $5.995; Breckenridge - $5.1199; Wellington $5.7232; Excelsior Springs - $5.2262; and Richmond - $4.4359. The rise in the levy will only address staff pay. Purvis presented an overview of…