MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) - Experts are estimating another double-digit property tax hike for Vermonters. The Vermont Tax Department forecasts an average 12% property tax increase.

Per-pupil spending is up nearly $1,000 over last year, a 6.8% jump.

If the increase takes effect, Vermonters’ property taxes for education will have gone up nearly 41% over the past five years.

This all comes as Vermont schools report declining enrollment and test scores.

The state’s education fund cost taxpayers $924 million more than it did 20 years ago, despite teaching 16% fewer kids.

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