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Opinion
Our school district cut over $9 million from annual expenditures these last two years, prompting agonizing layoffs and budget exclusions. It was horrible, but I'm impressed at how they were able to absorb the loss.
Now we're looking at losing $6 million more. This time it will be disastrous. We'll lose critical classroom positions, quality teachers and teacher-student classroom days. We'll say goodbye to certain athletics, arts and other extracurricular activities at the middle school level. We'll also have to forget about replacing near useless buses and computers, and tolerate buildings in dire need of repair. And, worst of all, some schools may have to be combined or even closed.
These budget issues are a direct result of continued cuts in funding from the state and federal levels, more of which are sure to come. This will devastate our school system, and we need to do something about it locally.
Do we have the guts to vote in a property tax hike of less than $4 per month (for a house valued at $250,000)? If you have kids in school, this is a gimme putt. But why should anyone without kids currently in the Eagle County School system vote for 3B? Well, first of all, it's $4 a month! But taxes are taxes, so here are some solid reasons:
For one, property values will rise. Anyone looking to relocate here with a family will study the school system. If it's not up to par, and it won't be if 3B fails, they'll look elsewhere, taking their real estate market demand with them. If you ever think you're going to sell your house, or take out a loan against it, then passing 3B is good for you.
Second, education is our most important tool for succeeding in this global economy. As Americans, we wring our hands about the Chinese taking over as the new economic leader and superpower. Don't you think spending money on education is just as important, if not more so, than on defense? Passing 3B is good for Eagle County's contribution to the future leadership of this nation.
Nobody likes tax increases, but this money is well spent. As in the corporate world, we have to attract good people with good salaries. I think we all agree teachers don't get paid enough. Eagle County pays teachers performance bonuses instead of lockstep salary increases based on years of employment. A side note: our administrative costs in Eagle County are lower by an average of $417,000 than other Colorado districts.
Please visit the website YesOn3B.com. There you'll see that Colorado has one of the lowest tax burdens in the U.S. at 48th, while our personal income is ranked 9th. Surely, we place enough importance on the future of our children to spend a few extra dollars a month on education? And remember, our valuations just took a big hit, so the property tax decrease will far outweigh any increase due to this override.
Make sure you receive your mail-in ballot by going to GoVoteColorado.com by Oct. 3. This is the only way you'll be able to vote on this.
It's been said that Republicans vote with their brains, and Democrats vote with their hearts. This issue is covered by both, so you can feel good about voting “yes” whether you're conservative, liberal, or just simply human.
Bart Garton
Edwards
Now we're looking at losing $6 million more. This time it will be disastrous. We'll lose critical classroom positions, quality teachers and teacher-student classroom days. We'll say goodbye to certain athletics, arts and other extracurricular activities at the middle school level. We'll also have to forget about replacing near useless buses and computers, and tolerate buildings in dire need of repair. And, worst of all, some schools may have to be combined or even closed.
These budget issues are a direct result of continued cuts in funding from the state and federal levels, more of which are sure to come. This will devastate our school system, and we need to do something about it locally.
Do we have the guts to vote in a property tax hike of less than $4 per month (for a house valued at $250,000)? If you have kids in school, this is a gimme putt. But why should anyone without kids currently in the Eagle County School system vote for 3B? Well, first of all, it's $4 a month! But taxes are taxes, so here are some solid reasons:
For one, property values will rise. Anyone looking to relocate here with a family will study the school system. If it's not up to par, and it won't be if 3B fails, they'll look elsewhere, taking their real estate market demand with them. If you ever think you're going to sell your house, or take out a loan against it, then passing 3B is good for you.
Second, education is our most important tool for succeeding in this global economy. As Americans, we wring our hands about the Chinese taking over as the new economic leader and superpower. Don't you think spending money on education is just as important, if not more so, than on defense? Passing 3B is good for Eagle County's contribution to the future leadership of this nation.
Nobody likes tax increases, but this money is well spent. As in the corporate world, we have to attract good people with good salaries. I think we all agree teachers don't get paid enough. Eagle County pays teachers performance bonuses instead of lockstep salary increases based on years of employment. A side note: our administrative costs in Eagle County are lower by an average of $417,000 than other Colorado districts.
Please visit the website YesOn3B.com. There you'll see that Colorado has one of the lowest tax burdens in the U.S. at 48th, while our personal income is ranked 9th. Surely, we place enough importance on the future of our children to spend a few extra dollars a month on education? And remember, our valuations just took a big hit, so the property tax decrease will far outweigh any increase due to this override.
Make sure you receive your mail-in ballot by going to GoVoteColorado.com by Oct. 3. This is the only way you'll be able to vote on this.
It's been said that Republicans vote with their brains, and Democrats vote with their hearts. This issue is covered by both, so you can feel good about voting “yes” whether you're conservative, liberal, or just simply human.
Bart Garton
Edwards
