Proposed 18-mill tax hike receives heavy opposition
The Brownsville School District’s business manager is working to lower a proposed 18-mill real estate tax hike to 12 mills after school directors hinted at not approving it and local residents complained. “I’m working to lower it (proposed 18-mill real estate tax hike). I understand that’s a large increase. To raise taxes 18 mills, will be a hardship to senior citizens. I’m making every effort to lower that,” he said.
After some board members and residents expressed opposition to a proposed 18-mill tax hike at a recent finance committee meeting, Boucher gave them a choice between a new book purchase, which accounts for 8 of the 18 mills ($400,000), or the building project (5 mills or $250,000). He stood firm on the 2 mills ($100,000) to generate a budget reserve fund and the 3 mills to balance the budget, including a $926,000 deficit.
Given a choice, most people chose to do away with the high school renovation project. In hindsight of giving the ultimatum, Boucher said eliminating the high school renovation project really isn’t an option at this point.
Boucher said the high school, which houses high school students and former Redstone Middle school students, is overcrowded, old and experiencing sewerage and other problems.
Some school directors and residents agreed that the high school was in dire straits and said they didn’t want to invest money in the high school. But Superintendent Gerry Grant says there isn’t enough money to build a new building.
Boucher said directors and residents complain about the high school’s current condition but don’t want to approve the 18-mill real estate increase that includes a 5-mill ($250,000) jump to begin the renovation project.
“They want it both ways. You heard them. They rant and rave about the problems at the high school but then complain about a tax increase,” said William Boucher, business manager. “Does the building need renovated or not. If yes, then they need to incur the costs. The unfortunate thing is they can’t have it both ways.”
Boucher explained the district borrowed $10 million for a renovation project three years ago and could face penalties (fines) if they don’t use the money and begin paying on the loan.
During the meeting, Director Stella Broadwater said conditions at the high school are poor, sighting an ongoing sewerage problem, but said she would not vote for an 18-mill tax hike.
But in a telephone interview Friday, Broadwater said the district has “no choice” but to renovate the high school and the board is going to have to “compromise and work together.”
“We’re on a road of no return. We have to compromise and come to a conclusion that’s best for the students. We’re going to pay for the $10 million no matter what. We have to use it so we might as well use it for renovations,” she said.
She said that she is hoping to approve an 11-mill tax hike instead of the 18 mills originally proposed.
“We can’t tax people out of their homes,” she said.
Broadwater said she would most likely approve an 11-mill tax increase. She said she hopes the district will get more state funding and save some money by trimming the number of subjects included in the proposed book-purchase budget.
“We have to give something up. It’s sad, but it’s in our lap and we have to confront it,” she said.
Boucher said he is working to find ways to reduce the 18-mill tax hike to 12- or 13-mill increase, while keeping the 5 mills budgeted for the renovation project.
Boucher is hoping to save money on the new book purchase by asking vendors to cut back on their commission and give “deeper discounts,” and possibly allow the district to defer costs until next year. He said he could possibly knock off 2 mills if the vendors agree.
But he said if vendors do agree to defer costs, the district will face the problem of paying for the books next year.
“I’m currently working on a way to lower the costs. I’m hoping for a discount. I’m hoping they will be sympathetic for our need (books) as well as the financial need of the school district. They call that crying poor,” he said.
Boucher said he already saved $2,000 in insurance costs, after talking agents into cutting their commissions.
Boucher said he is also hoping to receive an additional 2 to 4 percent ($200,000 to $400,000) increase in state subsidized funding which will knock off an additional 2 to 4 mills respectively. Subsidized funding from the state increased 1 percent ($100,000) this year. Boucher said he should know by Wednesday that percentage will increase.
“I’m hopeful for deeper discounts (book purchase), deferred payments and more subsidized funding. I’m hoping to get down to 12 or 13-mills,” Boucher said. “All I can say is I’m hopeful.”