From Deseret News archives:
Taylorsville OKs study on school-district split
Council members, the mayor and residents met Monday evening in an emergency council meeting to discuss whether or not the feasibility study would be in the city's best interest.
"We have to do what's right for our citizens," said Jerry Rechtenbach, chairman of the Taylorsville City Council.
With Taylorsville joining the feasibility study, the city will have to pay about $20,000 to cover the expense, said Mayor Russ Wall. The proposed split of the school district would raise taxes for everyone involved, Wall said.
"It's a tax increase no matter what," he said.
Councilman Lynn Handy encouraged Taylorsville residents to get out and vote for what they think would be best if the issue is placed on the November ballot. He voiced distaste for the idea that the state Legislature should help fix the problem.
All members of the City Council, as well as the mayor, said taking part in the feasibility study is a smart choice because the study at least gives the city a voice in the process.
"This is our best option," said Les Matsumura, vice chairman of the council. "We can at least have a say."
The four residents who spoke at the meeting opposed the split of the district. Aimee Newton told the City Council she was concerned about unanswered questions and said some legislators are trying to push the issue onto this year's ballot.
"I'm hopeful this will not end up on the ballot this year," she said. "I'm concerned we're being strung along by the east side."
Council members and Wall also discussed backup plans in case the school district is split. Wall said a bill is being drafted by legislators to change the number of people a city needs to have its own school district. Currently, a city needs 65,000 people to create a city school district, Wall said. If the Legislature passes a bill to lower the population requirement, Taylorsville would might be able to create a separate district.
E-mail: csmith@desnews.com
