Recommendations on Measures K thru M
Posted by scta | Filed under Ballot Measures
Measure K – Forestville Union School District Facilities Bond.
This measure is asking voters to approve a $5.1 million bond for health and safety improvements, modernization and renovation of classrooms, energy efficiency, replacement of portables, playground improvements and technology upgrades.
The highest tax rate is estimated to be $25 per $100,000 of assessed property value. There was no indication of the Bond’s term. It requires a 55% voter approval.
Association’s Recommendation: No
Measure L – Piner-Olivet School District Facilities Bond.
This measure is asking voters to approve, with a 55% vote, a $20 million, 40 year, bond in order to acquire, construct and improve classroom and facilities, as well as expand technology. The best estimate of the highest tax rate would be between $23-$24 per $100,000 of assessed property value.
Association’s Recommendation: No
Measure M – Twin Hills School District Facilities Bond.
This measure is asking voters to approve, with a 55% vote, a $11 million, 40 year, bond in order to match state grants, provide solar energy improvements, eliminate leases, replace portables, build new libraries and provide technology. The best estimate of the highest tax rate would be $30 per $100,000 of assessed property value.
Association’s Recommendation: No
We suggest taxpayers start by asking why the School Districts needs to borrow money and raise taxes to perform predictable maintenance and replacement of major building components. When a school district proposes a bond it’s usually a sign of failure to plan adequately and to prudently manage the finances of the District.
The fact that a roof and other major building components do not last forever should surprise no one. Providing for a sound roof, functioning heating system and other elements of the physical plant should be every bit as much a part of the annual budgeting as staff salaries and utility bills. Because roofs are not replaced every year, a portion of the replacement cost should be placed in a dedicated replacement reserve fund each year so that funds will be available when the need does arise. Without an adequately funded reserve only three things can happen, and they are all bad; the District must defer maintenance, take funds from educational programs for building maintenance or raise taxes (issue bonds).
The Sonoma County Taxpayers’ Association has been and continues to be a strong supporter of public education. However, taxpayers have a right to expect the officials who management our public schools to be prudent managers of the taxpayer resources accorded them. A District that has not made adequate plans nor maintained a replacement reserve fund, and has to resort to raising taxes has not met this basic requirement for prudent management.
This bond proposals are a red flag suggesting the management practices at the various School Districts need to be modified to regain taxpayers’ confidence, before they ask for more of our money. We recommend a No vote on Measures A through M.