The Litchfield School Board certified its preliminary 2008-09 levy at $2,907,805.31 Monday.

The general tax levy represents a $85,290, or 3.02 percent, increase over 2007-08, said Superintendent Bill Wold. The district plans to levy the maximum in all areas, except in Health and Safety, which is paying back Lake Ripley Elementary improvements dating to 2000-01.

Total property market value within the Litchfield School District boundaries reached $1 billion for the first time ever in 2007, Business Manager Todd Swanson reported to board members. Market value was $1.062 billion in 2007, a 11.51 percent increase over 2006.

The Litchfield School District is seeking a new operating levy referendum in November, asking voters to raise the current operating levy from $300 to $600 per pupil. The proposed levy would generate an additional $449,480 for the district in 2009, according to figures provided by the district.

Introduced in 1971, an operating levy allows school districts to tax property owners for additional revenue to cover general district operating costs. It differs from the general tax levy in that it must be voter approved.

If the November ballot question passes, the total general levy will be adjusted, Wold said.

Final levy certification will be in December.