Website readers offer views on tax referendum

There are a handful of topics that can get people up in arms, and one of them is taxes.

Most people would tend to agree that they pay too many taxes now, and believe the government should cut taxes.

Unfortunately, if we want services provided, someone has to pay. And normally that means taxes.

Since Gov. Mitch Daniels shifted the financial burden of paying for our school districts from property taxes to the state (sales tax), schools haven't been receiving as much money. A week doesn't go by that a couple of school districts in the state doesn't lay off several teachers just to make ends meet.

What happened?

The switch came at a terrible time. The economy tanked, so people didn't spend as much money, therefore the state didn't bring in as much money.

The forecast remains gloomy, so things aren't going to get much better.

Schools need teachers. Schools needs safe buildings. Schools need heat in the winter. The list goes on and on.

And schools must provide a quality education.

It was announced in this newspaper Saturday that most area schools increased their overall ISTEP schools. That's fantastic news.

If the financial picture doesn't improve, and more teachers lose their jobs, will those numbers go the opposite direction in a couple of years?

State government does allow for individual school districts to raise additional funds. They can increase the property tax rate, and the difference between what the rate always is and the amount they raise it to, will go to the school district.

But to do so, the school district must conduct a referendum vote.

Some schools in the state passed such referendums in the May 4 election. Others will try to do the same in the future.

If such a referendum was voted on in Greene County, what would the results be?

The newspaper asked that question on its website: Would you be willing to pay more property taxes to help your school district remain financially sound?

The results:

* Yes: 21.1%

* No: 67.9%

* Maybe: 10.9%

If local schools are going to ask for a referendum vote, they need to conduct a great public relations campaign. They must put everything on the table, and not hold anything back.

Though the results don't surprise me, I do believe Greene Countians care about education, and if approached correctly, they would be willing to part with a little more of their hard-earned money to support our schools.

The following are some of the comments from the website:

* "The taxpayers should be involved in the process and have the final say as to how much and on what the revenue is used for."

* "The schools in Greene County need to consolidate into a Western Greene and Eastern Greene County high schools. Consolidate superintendent and principal jobs also. Do this first before raising our taxes!"

* "Our school systems need to figure out what's important to the education of our children, and quit using our tax money to 'dress up' the schools with carpeting, computers for primary grade children, etc. Kids nowadays don't know how to write, or spell, and my opinion is that they need to go back to teaching the basics before they get into the computer phase."

* "Taxes are already too high ... cut funding of sports and spend that money on good teachers."

* "I've had to take a cut in pay, how about the school teachers and administrators doing the same."

* "It is unfair to tax everyone for those who don't have children that utilize the school, or live in the city limits and get to vote for the school board who are elected to spend this money."

* "Property tax is the wrong and an unfair way to fund the schools! Property owners are punished for owning while renters and other non-property owners in comparison get basically a free ride. Many with children in school are not property owners so others are paying for their child's education. Schools have more than plenty of funding, it is just improperly used! A number of schools need to be closed. Many programs are full of waste. Many wages and benefits are excessive."

* "Great plan by our governor. Property taxes were the most stable form of taxation and he raises sales tax. Now I pay more total tax for less."

* "Money isn't the problem. Competition would go a long way in helping our schools. Testing teachers would also help."

* "Without paying more taxes our schools will fail. Raise our taxes."

* "Not for more administration dollars or new buildings, but yes for smaller class sizes, and more education focused.

* "If you think education is expensive, try ignorance."