Burlington School Board Proposes 22-Cent Property Tax Hike

Residents voice concerns over rising costs and stagnant incomes at public hearing.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:44pm

A serene, nostalgic painting of a school bus parked on a quiet residential street, the vehicle's form and shadows creating a contemplative, cinematic mood.The proposed property tax hike will impact school district budgets and household finances in Burlington, Iowa.Burlington Today

The Burlington Community School Board held a public hearing on a proposed 22-cent increase to the FY27 property tax levy per $1,000 of assessed valuation. While the rate is lower than earlier estimates, several community members spoke out against the hike, citing financial strain from higher costs for gas, utilities, and groceries.

Why it matters

The school board's decision on the property tax levy will impact the budgets of homeowners and businesses in Burlington, many of whom are already struggling with inflation and stagnant incomes. The public hearing allowed residents to voice their concerns directly to the board.

The details

The proposed levy now sits at $16.19 per $1,000—down 56 cents from the original $16.75—and represents a smaller increase than last year's 78-cent jump. Several community members spoke during the hearing, raising concerns about the financial strain of higher taxes. A business owner said her property taxes have climbed from $28,000 to $46,000 over the past three years, while a retiree said he may need to return to full-time work to afford living in Burlington. Speakers urged the board to find cost-saving measures instead of passing expenses onto taxpayers.

  • The Burlington Community School Board held a public hearing on Monday (April 3, 2026).

The players

Anika McVay

The president of the Burlington Community School Board.

Robert Scott

The superintendent of the Burlington Community School District.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The school board will vote on the proposed property tax levy at a future meeting.

The takeaway

The Burlington Community School Board's decision on the property tax levy will have a significant impact on residents and businesses already facing financial strain from inflation and rising costs. The public hearing allowed the board to hear directly from concerned community members, who urged them to explore cost-saving measures rather than increasing the tax burden.