Runaway school levies need to come to an end

| January 31, 2009 8:00 PM

Prior to 1999-2000, no supplemental levies yet somehow schools functioned and kids were educated.

Supplemental levies:

1999-2000 — $ 1,260,000

2000-2001 — $ 1,659,000, 31.6-percent increase

2001-2002 — $ 2,200,000, 32.6-percent increase

2002-2004 — $ 4,400,000 ($2,200,000/year), no increase

2004-2005 — $2,992,000, 36-percent increase

2005-2007 — $6,440,000 ($3,220,000/year) 7.6-percent increase

2007-2009 — $9,968,000 ($4,484,000/year) 39.2-percent increase

2009-2011 — Proposed $10,995,000 ($5,497,000/year), 21.9-percent increase

Plant facilities levy (2007-’09) — $12,600,000 ($6,300,000/year)

Supplemental — Twelve year annual average $3,326,000 a 163.9-percent increase over 1999-2000 first levy.

Supplemental levies/plant facilities levy 12 year annual average $4,376,000 — 247.3-percent increase over 1999-2000 levy.

How many of us increased our income by these percentages over a similar period?

Other taxation sure didn’t have similar increases. Most federal and state income taxes decreased. Other county taxes limited to annual 3 percent increase. Sales tax increased by 1 percent which went to schools and relieved property taxes.

Prior to sales tax increase, LPOSD property taxes had risen to disproportionate approximate 43 percent of total property taxes. Sales tax increase reduced this to about 12 percent. Continuous levies have brought this back to about 26 percent and rising.

Anyone see anything wrong here?

In these harsh economic times it is time to put a stop to this runaway taxation and rein in this out-of-control school board with a solid no vote on the Feb. 24 supplemental levy. Nonessential cuts will be made but basic essential education will continue.

Get out and vote. Get an absentee ballot from LPOSD.

PHIL POUTRE

Cocolalla