(Harlan, Ky.) – For the fifth consecutive year, property owners in the Harlan Independent School District will see a lower school property tax rate after the Board of Education unanimously approved another reduction during a Special Called meeting Thursday, September 10th.
The new rate of 49.6¢ per $100 of assessed property value, down from 50.5¢ last year, is the district’s lowest since 2017 and continues a five-year trend of declining property tax rates. Growth in property value assessments across the district helped make the reduction possible while allowing the school system to continue supporting its educational programs and services. The newly approved rate is once again projected to rank among the lowest school property tax rates in Kentucky.
Superintendent Jennifer Parsons noted that Harlan Independent Schools already maintains one of the lowest property tax rates among school districts in the region and emphasized the importance of balancing the district’s financial needs with the impact on local taxpayers.
“Strong schools are an investment in the future of our community, and I am incredibly proud of the return Harlan Independent continues to deliver on that investment. This year, we were again able to provide a raise for our employees, continue important facility improvements with a new renovation project starting this fall, and maintain some of the highest-performing schools in Kentucky—all while keeping our local property tax rate among the lowest in the state.”
Board Chairman Dr. Matthew Nunez noted after the approval, “The investments we make in our schools today will continue to create opportunities and strengthen our community for years to come. When our students and schools succeed, the entire community benefits.”
Superintendent Parsons initially presented the tax data to the board during its August meeting, when board members proposed the new rate. The board formally approved the rate by unanimous vote during Thursday’s special-called meeting.
Board member Cindy Allison commented, “We are proud to once again lower the property tax rate for our residents while continuing to accomplish so much for our students and schools. It reflects our commitment to being responsible with taxpayer dollars while still investing in the programs, opportunities, and resources that help our students succeed.”