 |
CAMPAIGN FOR EXCELLENCE |
|
|
|
Published June 3, 2005 The popularity of parcel taxesDistricts across the state see the measure as an answer to their financial woes by Alexandria Rocha The Palo Alto Unified School District is not alone in its quest for more local funds. Just last year, 11 school districts in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties ran successful parcel tax elections. Another five, including PAUSD, weren't as lucky. As the Measure A election draws near -- which asks voters to increase the annual $293 parcel tax to $493 for six more years -- the concept of school funding through local property taxes has been brought into the spotlight. Supporters say the measures are the only option; opponents claim they are unfair to property owners. According to supporters of Tuesday's measure, about 340 California school districts have tried to levy parcel tax measures since 1983. The initiatives are so widespread because they're currently one of the only ways school districts can raise funds for salaries and operating expenses. About 30 years ago, property taxes were easier to pass. School officials could levy the taxes, which at the time were based on assessed valuation, with a simple majority vote. In 1978, voters passed Proposition 13, shifting the number of votes needed to pass from 55 percent to two-thirds. Parcel taxes also became fixed amounts, rather than based on property values. For that reason, the measures are largely viewed by opponents as regressive. Someone who owns a home worth $1 million pays the same amount as the person with a far less expensive one. Opponents also say property owners shouldn't pay for salaries with their taxes. "We don't believe that the district should be hiring people from revenue that is derived from a parcel tax," said Wayne Martin, a local resident leading the anti-Measure A campaign. Despite the critics' concerns, parcel taxes are nothing new to the Silicon Valley. Several school districts close to Palo Alto currently have measures in place. Some include: *Los Altos Elementary -- $597 *Menlo Park Elementary -- $498 *Portola Valley Elementary -- $290 *Woodside Elementary -- $196 *Las Lomitas Elementary -- $196 *Ravenswood City School District - $98 According to Measure A supporters, a property owner cannot waive a parcel tax based on income or financial resources, which makes the voters' word especially critical. Citizens over 65, however, can apply for an exemption from the parcel tax each year. http://www.paloaltoonline.com/weekly/morgue/2005/2005_06_03.elec2sid03ja.shtml
|
|
Send mail to
webmaster@campaignforexcellence.org with
questions or comments about this web site.
|
