In 2015, voters rejected as unaffordable a $2.06 per $1,000 assessed valuation property tax levy to pay for a new high school.
At the time, we were told that replacing the high school was the top priority because of its age and the condition of its buildings.
One might think that the school board would return with a scaled-back proposal increasing taxes by less, to perhaps replace only the oldest high school buildings, or one using much less expensive modular construction.
But what do we get instead?
If $2.06 per $1,000 was unaffordable last time, now we are asked to approve a tax increase that is 20 percent higher than the one that failed, or $2.47 per $1,000.
That is a whopping 77 percent increase on top of the $3.20 per $1,000 in school tax we are already paying, or over $600 each year additionally for the owner of a $250,000 house.
And what is the money going to be used for?
Not a dime will go to replace or repair the high school buildings that three years ago were such a priority and in such dire straits.
Instead, all of this money will go to replace and add to the newer Stevens Middle School that in 2015 was not even mentioned.
Finally, the option of much less expensive pre-fabricated buildings is not even on the table.
Vote “no” and force the school board to finally listen to the voters and propose something that everyone can afford.
Kaj Ahlburg,
Port Angeles