RANDALL — A 13.5 percent increase in the Randall Consolidated School tax levy was approved Wednesday night to support a 3 percent increase in the budget.

The huge disparity between the increases is the result of a decrease in state aid, explained business manager Carol Gebhard-Dyer. Because enrollment dropped in 2007-08, the district will see a decrease in state aid and, in turn, a larger increase in the tax levy.

“I understand it’s a chunk,” Gebhard-Dyer said of the levy increase. “The less you get from the state, the more you have to pass on to the taxpayer.”

State aid is expected to decrease 9.5 percent, from $3,061,234 to $2,770,008. It will cover 39 percent of total costs; local tax dollars will pay for 52 percent, and other revenues will pick up the rest.

Based on a 5 percent increase in the district’s equalized value, the corresponding tax rate would be $4.34 per $1,000 of value. This means the owner of a $200,000 home would pay $868 to help operate the school. However, the equalized value came in at a lower percentage Wednesday, so it is anticipated the rate will be higher.

General fund expenditures are anticipated to increase 3 percent, from $6,823,546 to $7,029,512. Of this, 74 percent, or $5,187,478, will pay for salaries and beneifts.

The district has no debt levy and, unlike other districts, does not levy for a community service fund.

The budget does show an increase in the fund balance of $179,247. However, this is due to several expenditures being delayed last year. When these expenditures are required, the money will come from the fund balance.