NINNEKAH, Okla. (KFOR) – Residents in Ninnekah received a letter from the public schools superintendent, telling them that they will see an increase of 75% in property taxes this year, and it’s not just this year alone.
“I’ve heard rumors, you know, it was going to be this much and then it was going to be this much,” said Larry Neal, a Ninnekah resident.”And I, I didn’t realize how much until we got the letter.”
Ninnekah residents brace for increased property taxes.
This is the letter sent to property owners within Ninnekah’s district, saying this year alone, their property tax will increase by 75%.
“Probably their property taxes are around $1,000, just roughly, of course, depending on the size and value of their property,” said Rob Helms, a Ninnekah Resident.
A 75% increase will nearly double the average annual property tax bill.
The increase does not stop there. Next year, the district is hoping to drop from 75% to 32%. Then, possibly the year after that, it could drop to 29%.
“A lot of people are upset,” said Helms.
Rob Helms says he knew this was coming after attending meetings where the school district was discussing how to pay out a $7.5 million settlement.
A settlement from a major lawsuit that the district lost. The suit stems from Ronald Akins, a former girls’ coach who was arrested for grooming and sexual assault.
” It’s very tough. We’re not the only school district in Oklahoma that has faced this, and certainly none of the Ninnekah residents affected this situation,” said Helms. “Those who caused this situation are in jail. They’re not going to be paying this penalty. We are. And that’s tough for everyone to swallow.”
Larry Neal, who also lives in Ninnekah, agrees. He says the school should be the only one paying.
“Well, I just don’t think it’s the responsibility of the people in the community,” said Neal. “The school knew what was going on, and the school ought to have borne the burden.”
It’s a burden taxpayers are now having to carry.
“If I have to go back to work part-time, which if I have to, I have to, you know, I have to do what you have to do,” says Annette Mason, a Ninnekah resident.
Mason says it’s already not easy; now she worries about what lies ahead.
“I’m just not happy about it, but it is what it is. I mean, I hate to say that, but it is what it is,” said Mason.
Mason says this news is very stressful.
“Especially with the only person, only income coming in,” said Mason. “I don’t know how this is going to affect me now. I won’t know until I get the papers.”
Helms says this will affect everyone.
“Seniors over 65, their property value can be frozen, but the tax rate is, from what I understand, not frozen,” said Helms. “So they can increase the tax rate from what I understand to whatever percent that’s needed. Generally, you might get a one or 2% increase annually or maybe every and every other every other year. But this, of course, is a 75% increase.”
The school district says the only way for them to continue to pay out the amount is through their sinking fund, which relies on property taxes.
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