Jordan board has week to study options

RIVERTON — Jordan School Board members have a week to mull over various ways to make up a $33 million deficit — rather than implementing a 40 percent tax increase.

In a unanimous vote early Wednesday morning, the board agreed to delay a tax-increase decision. The board has proposed an annual tax increase of $142.18 for a $100,000 home.

If approved, the tax increase would bring total property taxes to $480 for a $100,000 house. District officials said Wednesday they don't currently have figures on the median home value for their area.

Board President Peggy Jo Kennett said there are various possibilities to cut into the tax increase, including expanding winter break by two days to save the district $2.4 million; and taking more money from the rainy day fund, which would leave the district with no emergency money. The board could also evaluate the tax increase after a year.

Forming a budget committee to make recommendations to the board could also be considered.

"We will have some more discussions," Kennett told the Deseret News after the late-night meeting.

The board voted to postpone its decision after listening to more than 100 often-angry public comments for over five hours — almost all decrying a tax increase. The crowd of about 1,000 packed the Riverton High School auditorium.

The next meeting, scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, will be at Riverton High, 12476 S. 2700 West. District officials said the law states the meeting resumes where it left off with the board discussion and vote. Therefore, there are no plans for more public comment.

Budget-cutting suggestions from patrons range from slicing Jordan District Superintendent Barry Newbold's annual $237,000 base salary to eliminating pay for school board members, who receive $12,000 per year plus travel expenses.

Patron Bob Wadman said the more money the district gets, the more it spends.

"When my family doesn't have money for something, we go without," he said.

A few people spoke in favor of the tax proposal — or at least a smaller version of the increase. Lanny Sorenson, who teaches eighth-grade English at Sunset Ridge Middle School, urged the board to "hold their ground." The audience booed his unpopular words.

"I know it's painful but I don't think you understand how much children will be affected" by loss of funds, Sorenson said.