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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Visionaries:</FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p> </o:p>What a
morning!<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>My phone has been ringing
with questions dealing with the Moscow School District Levy.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">First, the Tribune headline by
itself has been horrifying, because many people think it deals with the November
levy vote.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>For anyone in doubt, the
<B style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">judge has ruled the March levy vote null
and void.<o:p></o:p></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><o:p> </o:p></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">This is not surprising, since the
judge ordered that we revote in November with clarified language.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>However, it does create a serious
dilemma.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The March vote was
certified.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>The <?xml:namespace
prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place
w:st="on"><st1:PlaceType w:st="on">County</st1:PlaceType> <st1:PlaceName
w:st="on">Treasurer</st1:PlaceName></st1:place> was forced to send property tax
bills based upon that fact.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Now,
she has the information that the judge officially declared the March vote null
and void.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>She is creating a special
line showing revenues from property taxes that specifically and separately
accounts for the funds provided as a result of certification of the March
levy.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>At this time, Treasurer
Ferguson will await direction concerning the how and whether to disperse those
funds.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">The possibilities include the
following:</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><st1:place w:st="on">School
District</st1:place> Attorneys and Weitz attorneys could meet with the judge and
seek resolution.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>I am told that in
a civil suit, the judge could possibly give no further directives unless the
plaintiff asks that he do so.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Given
the track record of Gerry Weitz, I am sure he still intends to hold the district
hostage on the issue of vocational education.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>He also wants the District to pay his
attorney fees.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>It seems unlikely
that there will be a meeting of the minds that will help the District.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">I am told that the judge could
unilaterally give further direction concerning these funds, but that is
unlikely.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Treasurer Ferguson, who is in a
very awkward situation, could ask the judge for direction.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>Undoubtedly, she would prefer that this
not be necessary.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt">Apparently the District lawyer is
challenging Judge Bradbury’s jurisdiction in the matter.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>This issue may conceivably be
pursued.</P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">As is stands, because of deadlines that
must be met, the funds from the November levy election cannot be collected until
the next school year. (2008-2009)<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN>Unless there is some intervening action, the District will have to live
with adverse actions taken to save money this school year.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">This is my
best understanding of the current situation. Let me know if you have
questions.</SPAN></B></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"></SPAN></B> </P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><B
style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">Shirley
Ringo</SPAN></B></P></DIV></BODY></HTML>