BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — The Martin County Board of Education declared its decision to maintain the existing property and motor vehicle tax rates for the upcoming year. The real and personal property rate will continue at 84.6 cents for every $100 of assessed value. The motor vehicle tax rate will stand at 22.3 cents per $100.

The board arrived at this decision during its regular monthly meeting Monday at the district’s central office.

“We’re not raising taxes,” stated Schools Superintendent Larry James after the vote.

BOE chairperson Kathleen Price enthusiastically advocated for Martin County, encouraging more residents to license their vehicles within the county.

“It’s the lowest rate in the state,” Price said.

In addition to the tax discussions, school district treasurer Ernest Hale presented the BOE with a financial update, forecasting a closing budget balance of $1.3 million for this fiscal year. This figure represents a 9.5% contingency, a number which garnered appreciation.

“That’s wonderful because the state doesn’t require that high of a contingency,” District 1 BOE member Mickey McCoy said. “The state requires 2%.”

For residents wanting to acquaint themselves with details of the district’s financial standing, the treasurer placed a public notice advertisement in this edition of the newspaper. Martin Countians can access the district’s latest financial statements, UFARs and vendor lists on the official school district website. Latest annual financial reports: martin.kyschools.us/Content2/12. UFARs and vendor lists: martin.kyschools.us/Administration/finance.