Mid-America Technology Center is seeking a three mill increase for their building fund.

The election will be held August 12.

Currently MATC is a one mill out of a possible five mills. The three mill increase would put them at four mills out of a possible five.

According to McClain County Assessor Elizabeth Patrick the tax increase on a $200,000 property would be $66 a year. She said a $500,000 piece of property would be increased by $165 annually while a $2,000,000 property would have an increase of $660 a year.

Mid-America officials report the need for the increase will enable them to reduce the enrollment waiting list, expand access for students from their largest schools and enable them to say yes to students pursuing career and technical programs that support the local workforce needs.

According to the assessor, property taxes are calculated using the assessed value of a property, typically 11 percent of market value, regardless of whether the land is rural or agricultural. With the proposed increase, the effective rate would shift from one percent to four percent, significantly boosting available funding for campus needs.

“The vote gives district residents the opportunity to support expanded facilities, updated equipment and more student opportunities through local investment in the building fund. If passed, the funds will be used strictly for capital improvements, specifically to begin building a campus to better serve the northern part of McClain County,” MATC Superintendent Mike Eubank said.