Alpine schools worried about tax-hike 'fatigue'
"That's a concern to us," Superintendent Vern Henshaw told the Deseret Morning News' editorial board Wednesday about the district being hurt by three tax hike proposals on the same ballot. "That's possible" that it won't pass.
The school district is asking the voters to increase the voted leeway property tax levy to generate an extra $4.6 million and permit the issuance of $230 million in bonds both of which would increase property taxes by $57.86 after four years on a $200,000 house. In addition, the Utah Transit Authority is asking voters to approve a quarter-cent sales tax increase to raise money for commuter rail between Provo and the Salt Lake County line.
Despite the UTA tax proposal, Henshaw said the school district could not postpone a bond election because of the urgent need to build new schools.
As of Oct. 1, the district enrolled 56,215 students. It projects 64,750 students by 2010.
Other schools throughout the district will be remodeled and receive additions to eliminate portable classrooms with bond money.
The extra money from the leeway would be used to pay salaries and utilities at the new schools. Some of the leeway money will also be used for professional development, Henshaw said.
"We're planning to build for growth that is here and growth that will come," Henshaw said.
If enrollment does not increase as projected, the district will slow down its building schedule, business administrator Rob Smith said.
In June, five Utah school districts sought voter approval for bond issuances and voted leeway increases. All measures passed except the leeway increase in Washington County, Alpine Board of Education President JoDee Sundberg noted.
With that precedent, Sundberg is confident the Alpine bond will pass.
"We feel the climate is good," she said. "People see the need."
E-mail: lhancock@desnews.com
Comments
- Package deal for S.L. area 7:12 p.m.
- Budget road trip 7:12 p.m.
- Carlos becomes hurricane off Baja 6:54 p.m.
- Cheney-CIA counterterrorism talk 6:53 p.m.
- Peirsol breaks WR in 200 back 6:51 p.m.
- Logan canal breaks; 3 to 4 missing 6:37 p.m.
- 'Mates: Millsap deserves big payday 5:22 p.m.
- Millsap offer: $10.3M up front 4:59 p.m.
- Questions about osteoarthritis 4:43 p.m.
- 'Love advocates' plan 'kiss-in' 3:46 p.m.
- Jazz brass debate Millsap match
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza
- Jazz finances not quite so bleak
- Logan canal breaks; 3 to 4 missing
- Utahns among Texans' investors
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- Millsap offer: $10.3M up front
- Cash for Clunkers to get rolling soon
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love'
- LDS seminary principal arrested
332 - Jazz brass debate Millsap match
192 - 2 men cited on LDS plaza
164 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
141 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
124 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
101 - Fairness of BCS debated
83 - Letters: Single-payer system best
76 - Services bids farewell to Jackson
70
As more and more dads are put out of work in this economy, I've been...
The photographs are mysterious, brooding, dark. They show dimples and...
Worst case scenario: Jazz let Milsap go and cannot unload Boozer. Then...
Hey! Keep up the good work Mr. Fisher and Neuroworx. Anything to restore...
But certainly way too much. Have a good ride in the Rose City, Paul. Best...
@ Ernest T Bass Neocons don't think that way. Every time you bring up the...
what channel do america an real salt lake play
Have any of you read "WHAT HAPPENED" by Scott McClellenan former Press...
It's amazing how many people think he was a great guy because of his...
I am proud of our President for the hard work he does abroad, and am pleased...
let Milsap go, I relize he may be one of 4 people on the team with heart, get...
To "I Smell California," who brilliantly made the following comment a few...


You can be the first to comment on this story.