Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 will not collect local property taxes for its supplemental levy in 2026, marking the second consecutive year that state relief has eliminated the tax burden on homeowners.
The district’s $8.25 million annual levy remains active and will appear on the November 3 ballot for renewal. While the funding mechanism continues to support schools, the local portion of the tax rate has been reduced to zero by state property tax relief measures passed by Idaho lawmakers.
State Relief Offsets Local Costs
The state provided $10,789,319 in property tax relief to District 25 this year, an increase of $665,000 over the previous year’s allocation. This influx of state funds covered the entire local levy obligation, resulting in a projected overall district levy rate of 0.000516820 for 2026, down from 0.000581891 in 2025.
Consequently, local collections have dropped significantly. In 2023, the district collected approximately $10.4 million locally. By 2025, that figure fell to $5.19 million, and it is estimated to drop further to $4.5 million in 2026 as state relief continues to absorb the cost.
Superintendent Douglas Howell acknowledged the financial shift, noting the district’s gratitude for the legislative action.
“We appreciate the Legislature’s continued investment in property tax relief for Idahoans,” Howell said.
Levy Renewal on the Ballot
Despite the current zero rate, voters must decide whether to renew the levy. The current measure expires on June 30, 2027. The November 3 ballot question asks residents to approve an $8.25 million annual amount for two additional years.
The levy has been a staple of district funding since 1949, providing community support for 75 years. During the 2025-26 school year, these funds covered approximately 8 percent of the district’s operating costs.
Ballot estimates do not assume that future state relief will continue at current levels. Individual property owners will see the specific impact on their tax bills in December, once final calculations are completed. State relief decisions are made annually and are not guaranteed to persist.
Funding Allocation
If renewed, the $8.25 million levy will continue to support essential educational services. The funds are allocated across several key areas:
- Classroom Instruction ($4.25 million): Supports teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, and support staff.
- Custodial Services and Maintenance ($1.375 million): Funds school upkeep and cleaning services.
- Textbooks and Supplies ($1.1 million): Covers curriculum materials and educational supplies.
- Instructional Technology and Staff ($750,000): Supports technology infrastructure and related personnel.
- School Safety ($575,000): Dedicated to safety measures within schools.
- Extracurricular Programs ($200,000): Funds competitive programs in academics, athletics, music, and career and technical education.
More information regarding the levy renewal and its impact on local budgets is available at sd25.us/elections.