Letter to the Editor

Letter to WRV Patrons in favor of referendum

Friday, May 2, 2014

Dear WRV Patrons:

In the 2007-08 legislative session, the school funding formula was changed. Everyone since that time has realized a tremendous tax savings. In 2007, the WRV school tax rate was $1.80. Since that time, we have realized an average tax savings: a 50.6% DECREASE in taxes. Each year, everyone--farmers and landowners, homeowners, business--have benefited from these tremendous savings. The last 7 years have seen us save 9.4% (2008); 61.9% (2009); 50.3% (2010); 49.7% (2011); 62.4% (2012); 58.6% (2013); and 61.9% (2014). These are great savings! I know that we certainly appreciated these huge savings.

Our savings--and your savings-- have come at the expense of others. Over the course of the same timespan, the WRV School District has lost over 2.2 million dollars in revenue. They have cut their expenses during that time by over 1.7 million dollars. In the last 13 months, they have trimmed $750,000 from their general fund. In order to save our local schools, they are asking for an increase on May 6th through a general fund referendum.

After enjoying a tax decrease over the last 7 years that averages over 50.6% a year since that legislative change in 2007-08. With what the school system is asking--.41 per $100 assessed valuation, we are still realizing a 39.2% decrease in our taxes since 2007....A 39.2% DECREASE. It is our thinking that we have taken for 7 years; we can give some of that amount to the school system to keep it operating and provide our children with the necessary equipment, facilities, academic programs, and teaching staff for them to be the best in the area.

We are still coming out well ahead of where we were in 2007---39.2% ahead. This is the right thing to do. We want local control and great programs for our kids! Please join us in voting YES on May 6th for the WRV School Referendum.

Local farmers,

Charlie and Claire Records