Families within the Mount Vernon school district are raising questions and concerns over a proposed tax levy increase.

They spoke up during a public hearing Monday night.

"With the prices of everyday things getting out of hand, now is not the time to do this," says Mount Vernon parent, Erica Peterson.

It's over the proposed budget for the 2025-2026 school year. It includes a possible property tax levy increase.

"The tax cap this year for Mount Vernon was 5%, we're going at 3.3% which is significantly below the cap," says Jose Formoso, the assistant superintendent for business with the Mount Vernon City School District.

It would mean an increase of about 3.3%, that's about $290 a year for the average homeowner.

"Nine out of 11 years, we've not had a tax increase. This year is very different, we used to have over $30 million in what's called 'fund balance.' By the end of this year, we're almost going to have no fund balance," says Formoso.

Leaders with the district say their financial situation is dire.

They tell News 12 this tax increase is necessary to cover union contracts and sustain programs like athletics, pre-k, and after school care.

"I want them to understand that we put children first and we see a path forward," says Dr. K. Veronica Smith, the acting superintendent of the Mount Vernon City School District.

The school board previously voted to close three schools this summer due to low enrollment and costly repairs.

More than 100 people in the district are being laid off.

Between that and the proposed tax increase, parents said during Monday's meeting, they are fed up.

"I feel the board should have been more responsible at implementing responsible, modest tax increases over the years and not hit us with a sudden 3.3%," Peterson tells News 12.

Others aren't entirely opposed to the tax increase.

"Put it to good use for the schools, the teachers and the students. That's what taxes are for, right?," says Annette who lives in Mount Vernon.

Formoso explains what happens next if this proposed tax increase doesn't pass.

"We do have another attempt to put forth a tax increase, we would do it revised. Unfortunately if that gets voted down, we would have to go to what's a contingency budget," says Formoso.

Voters will weigh in on May 20.