Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parcel Tax topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board approves reduced four‑year parcel tax measure for June ballot, approves donated‑funded grand piano
Summary
After hearing public input and consultant polling, trustees voted to place a four‑year $800 parcel tax (no annual escalator) on the June 2 ballot; they also approved a donor‑funded Steinway grand piano with the district share roughly $30,000.
The board voted Feb. 10 to place a reduced parcel tax option on the June 2, 2026 ballot.
Consultant Charles Heath presented polling and options: a renewal of the existing $941 parcel tax with a 2% annual adjustment, a straight four‑year extension without escalator, and a lower $800 four‑year measure with no annual inflation adjustment. Heath reported prior polling showing 72–76% support for a straightforward renewal, but trustees noted recent public feedback and the financial pressures residents face.
After public testimony urging fiscal prudence and better justification for a large parcel tax, the board voted to call Option 3: a four‑year $800 per parcel measure, with no annual inflation adjustment, to go before voters on June 2. Trustees cited a desire to balance revenue needs with community receptivity and to allow an earlier return to voters if conditions change.
Separately the board approved a site‑supported and largely donor‑funded purchase of a Steinway concert grand piano priced at $248,238. Staff said about 70% of the cost came from a designated donor, roughly 15% from a state VAPA grant, and about 15% (approximately $30,000) would come from site/district funds; trustees approved the purchase after confirming funding sources.
Board members said they will return to the community with details about the parcel tax wording, revenue allocations and the implications of the shorter renewal period.
Votes: the board recorded an aye vote to call the $800, four‑year measure, and approved the piano purchase with student preferential votes followed by board aye votes.
