[Vision2020] NO NEW TAXES

[keely emerinemix]

I appreciate your concern about taxes, but I would point out just a couple 
of things:

First, the district tried to limit the impact of the increase that a bond 
would bring about by passing it now, rather than later.  Also, the state's 
bond equalization program may well sunset or, if not, exclude "wealthier 
districts" like MSD by 2006, meaning that bonds passed after that would not 
be eligible for the significant help the state offers in bond interest 
payment.  That and the current low interest rates, plus the escalating cost 
of construction, makes this an opportune time to pass the bond.

Second, some of the items you mention -- books, computers, etc. -- are not 
"bondable."  Bonds can by law only be used for significant remodels or new 
construction; our bond includes a provision, within the cost of new 
construction/remodels, for furnishing, fixtures and equipment (FFEs), as 
they are considered part of the cost of building/remodeling.  The cost data 
has been available for some time and I hope you get a chance to look at it.  
  As important as books, computers, etc., are, they are not covered within 
the parameters of a bond levy.  Unfortunately, the terms sometimes get 
tossed around, but a BOND, such as is proposed in the April 26 election, is 
a specific term that doesn't address other equally important needs of the 
school.

I'm encouraged by your interest and appreciate the chance to answer some 
questions.

keely emerine mix

From: cjs <cjs at turbonet.com>
To: Vision2020 at moscow.com
Subject: [Vision2020] NO NEW TAXES
Date: Mon, 04 Apr 2005 13:05:58 -0700

I have nothing against a new high school. However, I think it is important 
that the public and the school district realize is that our income to tax 
ratio makes us extremely tax poor. The levy would have no problem passing if 
it were timed when other levies were ending. You can't keep adding heavier 
and heavier tax burdens on some of the lowest income earning people in the 
United States. Someone needs to be smart enough to time these things. Is 
there a group of levies being paid off shortly to where our current tax 
liability would not change? If not, when? That is when you ask for a new 
high school. Has anyone else noticed that this levy seems to omit a lot of 
necessary items? Books? Table and chairs? Computers? Science lab equipment? 
Fishing rods? Rock climbing gear? Fishinf boat? Will this be another levy in 
the making? Sounds to me like the 1912 Center all over again. Everybody gots 
the wants and the needs and no way to pay for it.

What plans does the Economic Development Committee have on the table to 
increase our tax base? Has any new, large companies come to our area? That 
does not pay minimum wage?

Phil Roderick

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