Carmel Clay referendum would replace two levies and authorize up to 42.74¢ school tax rate, above today’s 24¢
Current Publishing reported Oct. 6, 2026, that Carmel Clay Schools lowered a 2027 rate projection to 30.39¢ but is asking voters in November to authorize a single referendum permitting up to 42.74¢ per $100 assessed value for up to eight years, replacing two current levies that total 24¢.
Current Publishing reported on 2026-10-06 that Carmel Clay Schools (CCS) currently collects two voter-approved referendum taxes — 19¢ for operations and 5¢ for school safety, a total of 24¢ per $100 of assessed value. CCS had projected a 2027 rate of 31.94¢ but lowered that estimate to 30.39¢ after taxable property values came in higher. If voters approve the November referendum, the two existing taxes would be replaced by a single referendum that permits a maximum rate of 42.74¢ per $100 of assessed value for up to eight years.
The article reports CCS says it expects to begin below that maximum and to increase the rate over time as Indiana’s new property tax law is phased in. It notes the referendum would authorize a higher tax rate than homeowners pay today, though exact dollar changes on individual bills will depend on assessed value, deductions and any new state tax credits. The letter in the paper was authored by Matthew B. Rowe of Carmel.
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