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TIM CURRAN
THE MID-COUNTY MEMO
The Parkrose Board of Education postponed a resolution referring a five-year local-option levy to voters after hearing a survey's results of likely voters at its March meeting. However, it resolved to revisit the idea next spring, when conditions might be more favorable.
The district hoped to add between $850,000 and $1.2 million a year to its general fund with the property tax. The additional revenue allows the district to hire teachers addressing the district's oversized classes.
A $200,000 home would pay an additional $170 in taxes at a rate of 85 cents per thousand of assessed value, according to figures supplied by the district.
Commissioned by the district, the $10,000 survey's executive summary said it would be difficult to pass a property tax increase in May, no matter how limited its scope and duration.
With a May vote and passage, districts can use the money for the next school year. A November vote entails waiting a year, sometimes creating confusion among voters about why the money isn't quickly available.
With 45 percent of voters in favor and 11 percent undecided, the strategy would be to get more than half of the undecided to vote in favor of an increase in their property taxes.
During discussion of the resolution, board members seemed in favor. “As a single-mom, another increase in tax is hard, but anything for our education and the future of our community I would support,” said Thuy Tran. “I think even though the survey said that it doesn't recommend it, if you dig deeper and see how the analysis occurs, I think it would be successful if we all pitch in and roll-up our sleeves and work.”
However, Superintendent Karen Fischer Gray slowed them with her apprehension. “I am not very encouraged by the survey,” Gray said. “I was more by encouraged by the cost analysis on the bussing version. It showed a lot clearer savings right in front of you than this survey, which is saying at this time its probably not a good idea.” She added, “There isn't really much in the survey encouraging me to want to go out and campaign.”
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