Vote No: Advocating Fiscal Responsibility on the Bond Issue.
Vote No: Advocating Fiscal Responsibility on the Bond Issue.
Bond State Application
We know the message is "just trust us, we'll guard your money and use it wisely." When has a government entity really ever done that? The only realistic way to deal with the real needs that a bond should cover is to force the bond to address the needs the entire community has had input into, can afford, and will support. This bond does not meet those goals. We now know this information was available for months before the bond was even put before the public, why weren't you trusted to know this information to inform your decision-making before now, and only then because it had to be dug out of state files rather than our own representatives providing what they had when the public asked time and again for info? Click Here for the whole bond application
Community Forum 3-26-24
Watch the community forum put together by the Taxpayers for Responsible spending
In our small community, where every voice should be heard and every concern valued
, the approach to the proposed school bond has raised some important discussions about inclusivity
, transparency
, and fiscal responsibility
.The strategy linked below, as outlined by Nabholz, the construction company involved in the current USD 273 bond attempt, emphasizes strategies on how to secure 'yes' votes.
While understanding the desire to improve our schools, this method appears to have contributed to division among us. Directly labeling or implying that those with differing opinions are 'enemies' is divisive and harmful. Simply having a different opinion does not make someone your enemy. It’s concerning that this bond has been in planning for two years, yet detailed public communication began only months before the vote.
The limited opportunities for open dialogue, where residents can share more than just brief questions, have not been sufficient for such a significant community decision.This division is not characteristic of our town. It’s disheartening to see how differing views on the bond have affected relationships, businesses, and the overall community spirit. This is not the way to build consensus on issues that impact us all. We also need to remember that being cautious with how we invest in our community's future is not just sensible; it's necessary, especially as we all navigate the rising costs of living.
The distinction between what the district needs and what it wants should guide us towards making financially prudent choices that don't exacerbate the burden on our taxpayers. Rejecting this bond isn’t about denying our schools much-needed improvements; it's a call for a proposal that aligns better with our community's current economic realities and prioritizes essential projects. If the bond does not pass, it is not the end, but an opportunity to present a new path—one that considers the community's feedback, respects our financial constraints, and truly reflects our collective priorities.
Let's strive for a path forward that strengthens our community, not divides it. We believe there is a solution that secures a bright future for our schools without placing undue strain on our fellow residents. Let's work together for a proposal that we can all stand behind, confident in the knowledge that it represents the best of what we can achieve when we listen to and respect one another
.
At times, within our own homes, the need for a substantial projects arises - perhaps a kitchen transformation, a new home addition, or the completion of a full finished basement. Families wrestle with a pivotal question: how are we going to pay for this project? The answer could be paying outright in cash or exploring financing options. Strikingly similar is the dilemma faced by school districts. They, too, must navigate the challenge of deciding whether to tackle projects with available funds or opt for a financed solution.
The financed solution is where bonds come into play. A school bond is a financial tool issued by a school district to raise money for a capital project, such as building a new school, renovating an existing facility, or purchasing equipment.
School bonds are typically approved through a public vote. The school district presents the proposed bond to the community, and the voters decide "yes" or "no" to approve or reject the the bond to fund specific projects. If the community votes "no" to reject the bond, the school district must reassess its plans for projects and review alternative funding options. They can then go back to the community at a later time and propose a modified bond with modified projects and costs. If the voters vote "yes" to approve the bond, the school district can then move forward with the planned projects.
Bonds are financed through the sale of the bonds to a pool of investors. The investors purchase the bonds, and in return, the school district agrees to pay them back over time with interest. The funds raised through the bond sale are used to finance the designated projects outlined in the bond proposition. How does the school district pay back the investors with interest? The bond is repaid by those living in the school district with property taxes. The school district will levy additional property taxes on the residents to generate the revenue needed to repay the bond. This tax revenue covers the principal amount of the bond as well as the interest accrued over the repayment period.
If you own residential, commercial, or agricultural property within the highlighted area above your property will pay additional taxes if the bond passes.
If you are a registered voter residing within the USD 273 district boundary noted above, you will be able to vote on the bond issue. If you own property within the district boundary but do not reside within the district boundary, you are not eligible to vote in the special bond election (even though your property taxes would increase as a result of bond passage).
All people residing in Mitchell County regardless of whether or not they live within the district boundary will have their Personal Property tax increased. If you do not reside in the USD 273 school district boundary, you are not eligible to vote in this election.
The tax burden on the community remains our primary concern, underlining the importance of addressing how these financial pressures impact all taxpayers.
This graph illustrates the rising trend in the eligibility for free and reduced lunches among USD 273 students from 2003 to 2023, marking a clear increase in the financial hardships faced by families in our community. With the percentage of students needing this support climbing to 45.3% in 2023, it's evident that many in our district are confronting significant economic challenges.
This data further emphasizes the importance of carefully considering the community's financial well-being in discussions about educational funding and the proposed school bond.
HOW TO VOTE
The bond election will be voted on by MAIL IN BALLOT
REGISTER TO VOTE AT
https://www.mitchellcountykansas.com/
VOTE BY APR. 18TH
Looking at Trends
This graph illustrates the comparison between USD 273's tax revenue growth, the US inflation rate, and the population change in Mitchell County since 2008. Notably, while US inflation has increased by 35%, the tax rate for USD 273 has risen at almost double this rate, amidst a 10% decrease in Mitchell County’s population. The graph also reflects the change in Full-Time Enrollment (FTE) within USD 273, underscoring our concern over the growing tax burden on our community taxpayers. This data presents a compelling context for the discussions surrounding the proposed school bond and its potential impact on our local tax landscape
Economic Reality in USD 273
This graph highlights that 45.3% of families in USD 273 qualify for free and reduced lunches in 2023, according to KDSE Data Central. This significant percentage underscores the economic challenges faced by nearly half of our district's families, emphasizing the importance of considering the community's financial well-being in educational funding decisions.
Our Community deserves a better Plan
VOTE NO to TAX INCREASES
Source: Beloit Call
Source: Beloit Call