Utah Legislature: Bill would allow for Jordan school tax increase

SALT LAKE CITY — One lawmaker is calling a potential bill his "Hail Mary" of the 2010 legislative session.

Rep. Eric Hutchings, R-Kearns, wants to pass a bill that would increase the allowed amount of a voted leeway for any school districts that have been split, giving them the ability to collect more property tax funds.

Jordan School District is facing a $30 million deficit due to the recession, state budget cuts and the district split. The Jordan School Board is looking at eliminating 500 employee positions, including 250 teachers.

"We have to address this. We have to solve this," Hutchings said. "We can't allow our district to go underfunded like this."

The Jordan District division occurred in July 2009, with the east-side Canyons District breaking from the west side after a vote of east-side residents only. The west side remains as Jordan District.

Jordan District has increased its voted leeway to its cap. "They can't go any higher," Hutchings said. "They are stuck."

Jordan's voted and board leeway amounts to $220 annual property tax on a $200,000 home, according to district business administrator Burke Jolley.

"I want to give them permission to solve their problem, Hutchings said. "We don't need to handcuff the district. Jordan District needs to have all the tools and all the flexibility possible."

Hutchings initiated HB463 Monday morning, and it passed the House that afternoon, 46-21.

The bill would provide a short-term solution for divided school districts that fall into financial distress. "Right now, Jordan District is the only district that qualifies," Hutchings said.

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