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 Post subject: A tax increses in this economy?
PostPosted: Sat Dec 18, 2010 12:24 pm 
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C.P. schools may consider referendum


CROWN POINT | The Crown Point School Board is expected to decide Tuesday whether to seek a property tax increase to help fund its operations.

School Board members Patti Wolter and Thomas Hoffman confirmed Friday is the intent of the 6 p.m. board meeting at Colonel John Wheeler Middle School. No official agenda was available Friday.

Approval of the plan would mean voters would be asked via referendum to raise their property taxes to boost the district's general fund, most of which is used to pay salaries and benefits.

School officials have warned state funding shortfalls threaten to erode local education.

They've said the Crown Point school system is unfairly shorted by the way the state funds schools. Officials also argue the state no longer provides the level of funding it once did because of property tax reform and a decline in state revenues in a slagging economy.

Wolter said she likely will vote in favor of the referendum.

"We are in such dire straits that to keep from cutting teachers and programs I don't feel we have a choice but to vote for it," Wolter said.

Hoffman said he was not ready to say how he would vote.

With no change in funding, the Crown Point Community School Corp. budget deficit is projected to grow to $13.7 million by 2018, from about $260,000 last year, officials have said.

The estimated annual impact of a property tax increase to raise $13.7 million is $522.96 on a home with a market value of $190,100. Should officials seek to raise property taxes by a lesser amount, of either $5 million or $9.15 million, the estimated annual impact would be $190.85 and $349.28, respectively, on the same home, according to an analysis by the accounting firm Umbaugh.

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 Post subject: Re: A tax increses in this economy?
PostPosted: Sat Dec 18, 2010 12:26 pm 
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Not just "no", but "HELL NO"!

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 Post subject: Re: A tax increses in this economy?
PostPosted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 12:53 pm 
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I can see it getting 20% for yes, but no way will it pass

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 Post subject: Re: A tax increses in this economy?
PostPosted: Wed Dec 22, 2010 2:08 pm 
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C.P. School Board authorizes property tax referendum

Posted: Wednesday, December 22, 2010 12:00 am | (63) Comments

CROWN POINT | Voters in Crown Point Community School Corp. will be asked early next year to agree to raise their property taxes to help fund the school system.

The five-member School Board on Tuesday voted 5-0 in favor of authorizing a referendum that likely would appear on the ballot in the May primary, calling for a property tax increase of 21 cents per $100 of assessed value.

Revenue generated by the tax increase would allow the school system to avert a $5 million deficit projected in the general fund by 2012, meaning staff and programs would not have to be cut, school officials said Tuesday.

In calling for the 21-cent hike, school officials chose the lowest of several options. Increases generating up to $13.7 million in revenue had been considered.

"We understand the community's desire to be frugal," school system Chief Financial Officer Matt Ruess said.

For a homeowner living in a $190,000 home, the 21-cent hike would amount to an annual increase of about $191, or $16 a month.

The board voted on the measure after hearing from nearly 30 audience members, including school principals, business owners and many parents. All but one of the speakers favored the referendum.

Michelle Bothun, a 1988 Crown Point High School graduate, said she left the city but returned when she started a family because of the "exceptional" school system.

"This has to pass to keep our education on top like it's always been," Bothun said.

Patricia Hamilton said she and her family chose Crown Point when a job required a move from Massachusetts to the Chicago area.

"We've never regretted it," said Hamilton, who praised the music and performing arts programs her children participate in. "I know this is scary, but this is the season of hope, and I'm hopeful that we can do this."

Bonnie McCormick, however, said financial relief should be sought at the state level, where school funding is decided.

"This is still a terrible economy," in which most are being asked to tighten their belts.

"I say no to any property tax referendum," McCormick said. "This issue needs to be fixed in Indianapolis."

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“At the core of liberalism is the spoiled child — miserable, as all spoiled children are, unsatisfied, demanding, ill-disciplined, despotic and useless. Liberalism is a philosophy of sniveling brats.”
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 Post subject: Re: A tax increses in this economy?
PostPosted: Wed Dec 22, 2010 4:07 pm 
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How about if CP says "this tax will only be around for 3 yrs" then will go away

Oh wait, I forgot, no tax ever goes away

And watch, I bet in 2012, they will say it will not be enough and need to raise it

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