What is a Mill Levy Override?
A voter approved Mill Levy Override (MLO) adds mills to a property tax bill. Mills are the factor applied to assessed property value (not actual or market value), and together they determine total property tax cost.
Depending on where you live, property tax collection may be allocated to your county, city/town, your water district and/or your school district. A school district MLO provides additional operating money exclusively for the school district. These additional funds collected within the district are not sent to Denver to be reallocated among Colorado school districts, funds stay in WPS schools.
As per state law, school districts cannot collect locally (via a MLO) more than 25% of total program funding.
- WPS currently collects 11.374 mills which equates to 8% from the 2002 voter approved MLO.
- If the 2018 MLO passes, WPS will be at 18%.
In comparison, the Boulder Valley School District, has maxed out local MLO funding at 25% and their current mill levy override exceeds WPS by $63 million.
MILL LEVY OVERRIDE FAQS
- How much will the General Fund levies cost a property owner?
- Does a Mill Levy Override (MLO) impact business owners differently than homeowners?
- How is a mill levy different from a bond?
- Has WPS ever passed a Mill Levy Override?
- Is the requested MLO budget creep?
- Will the requested amount for the MLO just get us caught up or will it move us ahead?
- When will the funds for an MLO be collected?
- Is there tax relief available for senior citizens or veterans if the MLO passes?
- Can 501(c)3 organizations participate?