Cloverdale superintendent braces for Senate Bill 1 fallout

While many school districts around Putnam County and the state of Indiana are bracing to see just how deep the cuts of property tax reform by the Indiana General Assembly will have on their respective districts, one superintendent admits it may not be that bad for his staff and students. 

Cloverdale Community Schools Superintendent Greg Linton told The Putnam County Post Senate Bill 1 will have an impact on his district, but it won't be as "negatively as once thought."

"In calendar year 2026, the school corporation will lose an estimated $49,017 in tax revenue and gain an estimated $143,605 in calendar year 2027 and $122,570 in calendar year 2028. While that sounds like a win, the legislature capped the Maximum Levy Growth Quotient at four percent in 2026 and will determine the MLGQ in the future," Linton told The Putnam County Post. 

Linton said in the past, the MLGQ was based on a five year average of personal income tax. 

"This cap could prevent some school districts from raising their operation fund tax rate to generate the revenue they need to support that fund. It will be interesting to see how it plays out over the next few years," Linton said. 

Linton admitted Cloverdale will not have to cut any services or staff due to the cuts coming from Senate Bill 1. 

"No. We have been able to maintain good cash balances and lean staff levels so we should be fine. We will look to reduce energy and utility costs," Linton said. 

The move from the General Assembly comes at a time when Cloverdale Community Schools is continuing the design phase through August on a construction project that will change the landscape of the district. 

The district recently approved CORE Construction as the contractor to build a new practice and training facility. The facility will feature two basketball courts and a three lane walking track and is set to be completed by early 2026.