LAKELAND: Bond vs. levy

Check the facts: Bond = 20 years or Levy = 2 years

This “Special Election” for the $70M bond needs to be looked at very carefully when you vote. Renters will not be contributing… If you are a homeowner in the Lakeland School District, research this bond.

For every $100,000 value of your home, you can add $147 to your yearly tax bill. You could be taxed right out of your home!

For example, if your home/property is worth $300,000 you can expect your tax bill will increase by $441 per year. If your home/property is worth $400,000, your tax bill will increase by $588 per year. I know that we cannot afford to pay that much more on top of the tax bill we already pay.

Why should the homeowners bear the burden of paying for a bond that will last 20 years? They want to build a new high school but the current one is not at capacity yet. They want to add a new gym to Timberlake High School that already has a sufficient sized gym. They should look into building a new Jr. High, which would not require so many amenities and solve the issues while keeping the costs reasonable.

I urge people to look into this bond thoroughly before voting on Aug. 27! I know how I am going to vote … NO!

CARRIE McCRITE

Athol

Editor’s note: Estimating the cost to taxpayers is complicated. See Brian Walker’s article in Saturday’s Press for more information.