July 24, 2025 10:30a
(WGTD)---Kenosha Unified’s chief financial officer is preparing taxpayers in the district for an increase in property taxes this December that’s more noticeable than usual.
Speaking to the school board this week, Tarik Hamdan said the overall impact to the district of the recently-passed state budget bill is negative. "It has some good indication of movement in it," he said. "However when you peel back the layers on the onion there are some unfavorable pieces in there. And there are things that I fear could draw a headline and look great but mask an underlying issue that's still not be addressed."
The main problem is a $7 million drop in what’s called equalized aid. "Come November when we're talking about adopting a budget with the tax levy here in this room you have the potential--very likely--to have a tax increase at no fault of your own--nothing that you did--nothing added to the budget. Just a function of state funding is going to potentially be passed on to the local taxpayer.
As part of its regular meeting agenda Tuesday, the board approved a nearly 3% cost of living increase for teachers, along with step increases that benefit teachers who are moving up the seniority ladder and have achieved additional degrees. The board, however, balked at approving raises for administrative, supervisory and technical employees, opting instead to take that up at a later date.
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