Questions & Answers about Ballot Measure 20-137
What is the Local Option Levy?
The
Eugene School District Local Option Levy is a property tax that
provides money for 4J school operations. The current levy expires in
2010; it was first approved by voters in 2000 and renewed in 2004.
Ballot
Measure 20-137, on the Nov. 4, 2008 election ballot, would renew the
levy at the same tax rate for another five years, through June 2015. If
approved, the district would expect the levy to generate $15
million-$17 million per year, per year, equivalent to operate a high school, middle school and elementary school for one year.
How would the levy money be spent?
The
levy would maintain current school programs and staffing levels to the
extent possible. Without this levy the school district would need to
reduce its budget by about 10 percent, beginning in fall 2010.
How is the Local Option Levy different from a capital bond, like 4J passed in 2002?
The
Local Option Levy pays for school programs and staff. By law, bond
funds can only be used for new construction or improving buildings and
facilities.
What would residents pay?
The
average residential tax rate is projected at $1.48 per $1,000 of
assessed value for 2010-11. No one can pay more than $1.50 per $1,000.
To
see how much you would pay: check your 2007 tax statement to see how
much you now pay for the Eugene School District Local Option Levy (look
under “CURRENT TAX BY DISTRICT” for “Eugene School District LO”). If the Local Option Levy is renewed, you would continue to pay about the same amount.
Each
property would pay a different amount, depending on the difference
between the assessed value and the real market value. Changes in the
real market value and/or assessed value of property may affect the
amount of your taxes.
What if the Local Option Levy fails?
The
Eugene School Board could decide to submit a levy proposal to voters in
a future election, in spring 2009, fall 2009 or spring 2010. If a new
levy is not approved to replace the levy that expires in June 2010, the
district would have to reduce its budget by about $15 million,
beginning in the 2010-11 school year. The district’s budget committee
and the school board would hold public hearings before making a
decision about how to reduce the budget.
How are Oregon public schools funded?
The
state legislature decides how much money schools get from a combination
of property taxes and state funds (largely from state income taxes).
Each school district gets about the same amount per student. The state
allows voters to approve a Local Option Levy to add to the funding that
is set by the state. For example, the state now allocates about $6,500
per student* annually. The Eugene School District Local Option Levy
currently provides about $700 per student.*
*calculated by extended Average Daily Membership, weighted (ADMw)
Voting information
The
deadline to register to vote in the fall election is Oct. 14, 2008.
Ballots will be mailed to voters beginning Oct. 17. Ballots must be
returned to Lane County Elections or a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008.
Download a PDF file of this factual information: 4J_Local_Option_Levy_Info_2008.pdf
Download a PDF file of the tax calculation worksheet: 4J_Local_Option_Levy_Worksheet_2008.pdf
