County and school officials are breathing a sigh of relief aftera tax office computer system correction restored over $9 million inproperty value and helped avoid a major tax increase for countyschool operations.

County and school officials are breathing a sigh of relief aftera tax office computer system correction restored over $9 million inproperty value and helped avoid a major tax increase for countyschool operations.

Following questions about a possible 11-mill tax increase forcounty school operations, Tax Assessor-Collector Nancy Jordan saidcomputer system technicians found a wording error that hadmisplaced automobile property values for the county schooldistrict.

Initial overall county school district property value totalsshowed a decrease in value from $54 million to $49 million. Thedecrease was attributed to a drop in automobile values from $19million to $12.7 million.

After the automobile-related difference was found, Jordan saidthe automobile value total climbed to around $22 million.

For county school district taxpayers, the correction representsa savings of around $10 for every $1,000 of assessed propertyvalue. Now, instead of an 11-mill increase, officials are lookingat an increase of less than one mill, said David Fields,comptroller.

Pointing out that countywide property value totals were correct,Jordan said the computer system had been revised and officials wereunaware of the change.

“I felt comfortable with what I had given him,” Jordan saidabout totals turned over to Fields.

Jordan said the computer wording revision placed county vehiclevalues in the city school district outside the city limits. Shesaid city budget officials were notified before any questions wereraised about totals.

Jordan credited Superintendent of Education Perry Miller forcatching the calculation error.

“I appreciate his efficiency and bringing it to our attention,”Jordan said.

Had the tax increase gone through, Fields said the schooldistrict would have had to escrow any amount over what it requestedfrom the county.

“I’m glad we figured it out before we levied the tax,” Fieldssaid.

Miller said he was also glad the situation was resolved. Hemaintained that the $2.5 million in local funding for the schooldistrict was a pretty good investment.

“I feel like we’re definitely giving Lincoln Countians theirmoney’s worth,” Miller said.