SCHOOL LEVIES: Suggested revisions

I hope the following will clarify Sholeh’s factual Press article printed Feb. 28. The first new levy for Coeur d’Alene schools Operating Expenses replaces the present two-year levy which will end in June, by which we are presently being taxed $76 per $100,000 of assessed property value. However, the new levy increases the amount to $95 per $100,000 meaning that the required tax on a property assessed at, say $500,000, will be approximately $500 per year forever (It is perpetual unless another levy changes it or voters do not approve it!) Only a majority vote is required to pass or defeat this levy.

The second levy is for safety and deferred maintenance and is for $5 million annually and expires in five years. Property tax would increase to $19 per $100,000 of assessed value with a resulting $100 annual tax on a $500,000 property.

Therefore, if both levies pass, property owners are required to pay $600 per year (on a property assessed at $500,000) for five years, after which, the first levy of $500 per year will remain forever (unless another levy is passed which changes the amounts).

Local levies or local taxes provide approximately 25% of total revenue per student while state funds provide approximately 60% and federal funds about 15%. My suggestion is that these levies be revised by 1) requiring quarterly statement of how the money is really spent if these pass, 2) an expiration date stated on all levies, 3) using regular election dates for school elections (rather than in-between dates) to prevent bias and to facilitate more people voting, 4) acknowledging parental authority and interests in the education of their children.

Check PowerPoint for more information. “Levies in Coeur d’Alene School Election.”

MARY SMITH

Coeur d’Alene