Okay, folks, I will admit it. I just don't understand the whole discussion
of the proposed tax changes by the Legislature and the pronouncements by the
School administration that terrible cuts will have to be made because of
those changes.
If I heard correctly, I thought the state was going to take over the funding
of education. Therefore as I look at my tax bill I see three separate school
levies: 1)the School District State Determined Levy, 2) the School District
Voter Approved Levies, and 3) School District Other Local Levies. All
totaled they add up to about 40% of the tax bill. Is the state going to take
over all of those? I thought I heard that the excess referendum one would
stay a local responsibility.
So what difference does it make to the School Board if the state pays or I
pay? Why is there less money?
Okay, I understand that the Legislature wants to reduce the tax rate for
properties valued at over $76,000. Now that I can understand should reduce
my total tax bill and therefore the city and county would have less money.
But won't the State fund the education as it would if there had been no
reduction? If the excess referendum stays local and rates change therefore
less money would be raised and that I understand. But is that enough to
cause all the dislocation the school administration is talking about?
There is also a real scary thing on the tax bill - a big number that says,
"Aid paid by the state of Minnesota to reduce your property tax." Is the
state going to continue to pay that? If the state doesn't, that will more
than wipe out the decrease due to a reduced rate and transfer of education
funding. There is also a credit for a lessor amount from the state? How
about that one?
Why do I get the feeling that I am watching one of those shell games use see
being played on the street by disreputable people?
I'd sure appreciate any insight some list members have.
Jan Del Calzo
Lynnhurst
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