East Central Reporter

Contrary to earlier reports suggesting that Paris School District 95 was missing approximately $750,000 in property tax funds, a recent review has found no such shortfall. The confusion appears to have stemmed from a combination of unsubmitted tax abatements and uncollected taxes.

Historically, Edgar County has provided only estimated figures to local taxing bodies rather than statements reflecting the actual amounts received by the county tax collector. A certified public accountant reviewed the matter and determined that the school district had used incorrect figures when calculating the supposed deficit. Specifically, they based their calculations on the full levy amount without accounting for the impact of abatements.

The organization stated, "This is the reason we always have the applicable public records in our hands prior to publishing an article. We could have followed local media and reported on it, but the records did not fully support what was being reported."

The statement also noted criticism of some local anonymous commentators: "Local Shelby County anonymous propagandists could learn a thing or two by not jumping to unfounded assertions on why we do or do not write about certain things."