Levy Q&A

A levy is a way for a school district to ask a community for money.
The Buhl School District is requesting a levy of $650,000 per year for the next two years.

For most residents, it is very minimal expense. We are talking about pocket change.

Wait, these numbers don't add up. (Are you using that new math they teach at the school these days?)

It is not new math -just politics. And there is nothing new about politicians not knowing how to count, but this time it works out in our favor.

In 2023 our Idaho Legislature passed a new bill - Bill 292. It is a tax relief bill.

Without Bill 292, the tax would be $57.79 per $100,000 for a $650,000 levy. With Bill 292, the estimated tax burden is reduced to just 24¢ per $100,000 annually.

After the state funding from Bill 292 pays off most of the levy, Buhl's share of the cost is just a few thousand dollars - and when you split that up between everyone in Buhl it comes out to be pennies.

For the average trout loving, Buhl citizen it is literally less than a cup of coffee at Jackson's or a giant donut at Don's.

Note: If you own a lot of very valuable property -- it might cost you more...but we're still talking less than the price of a pizza at Papa Kelsey's, or a burrito at Juanita's. In other words: not a lot. And definitely worth it.

How can I estimate my tax burden? (I need to know right away if I will have to give up a donut or a burrito this year to cover the extra cost of the levy.)

Try our levy tax calculator. Enter your estimated property value and we will calculate your estimated tax burden.

Yes and no, we get the money, but it can only be used for building maintenance and large scale building projects.

It’s a fair question. Idaho collects taxes through sales, property, and income, yet basic school costs—like transportation and salaries—aren’t fully covered by those funds. Instead, the state introduced Bill 292 as a “tax relief” measure, providing extra funding to schools—but only if communities approve local levies. It’s a political workaround: the state offsets most of the levy cost, keeping property taxes low, while ensuring schools get support.

Regardless of how we feel about how this bill came to be, one thing is clear: our district needs these funds to cover the basic costs of education. The state has already collected and has a plan to distribute those funds. If the levy doesn't pass, we’ll still receive state funds to support facility maintenance—but we’ll be forced to cut 3 additional teaching positions and 3 to 4 support staff roles.

That’s a big loss, and our kids will feel it most. Please join us in standing up for Buhl’s students and teachers.