Jordan School Board OKs 20% tax increase

Holding up a large protest sign with the words "Say No or We Say Go!" Ben Wallis found a way to make his sentiments known on a night when the Jordan School Board was taking no more public comment as it prepared to vote Tuesday night on a plan to address a $33 million budget deficit.

As it turned out, the board had listened to patrons who packed a meeting last week to protest a proposed 40 percent property tax increase.

After spending the past week mulling over patrons' suggestions and discussing options, board members voted Tuesday night for a 20 percent tax increase, as well as cutting $1 million in non-teaching personnel and taking $21 million from the district's emergency fund.

In voluntary actions, Superintendent Barry Newbold is taking a 10 percent cut from his $237,000 salary, starting this month. Board members will take a 10 percent cut from their $12,000 annual stipend.

The board's unanimous vote drew applause from half the audience and boos from the other half.

"It's not fair," said James Anderson, 70, of South Jordan. His wife, Billie Anderson, 72, agreed. "You have to be happy that it is less than 40 percent — but 20 percent is too much," she said.

Seven percent of the 20 percent tax increase is state-mandated, as was 7 percent of the proposed 40 percent increase. The 20 percent tax hike will mean $68 more on the district portion of the property tax bill for a home valued at $100,000.

Taking the chunk out of the rainy-day fund "is a one-time funding solution," said board President Peggy Jo Kennett.

She ran through a list of actions that could be considered for the next school year, including implementing employee furloughs and increasing class sizes, as well as cutting pay, administrators and professional development days.

On the chopping block could be funding to bus students across hazardous areas. Also being scrutinized are community recreation funds, which affects field trips and athletics.

One board member added that a trimester program will definitely be considered.

In comparison to the previous week's packed house and five hours of angry comments, the auditorium of Riverton High School Tuesday night was half-full and slightly less rowdy — but still emotionally charged.