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Board divided over timing and type of November levy; special meeting to be scheduled
Summary
Trustees debated three certified levy options (7-mill, 8-mill property levies and 0.75% earned-income tax) on July 13; some members urged immediate action to meet filing deadlines, others asked to wait for a costed strategic plan. The chair will schedule a short special meeting to take the levy vote before the August 5 filing deadline.
Treasurer Guston outlined three certified options for a November levy during the July 13 board meeting: a five-year 7-mill property tax (estimated to raise about $66.3 million annually), a five-year 8-mill property tax (about $75.8 million annually), and a 0.75% earned-income tax option certified to raise the district's requested amount (estimated to be revenue-equivalent over five years and to grow with wages). The treasurer noted differences in timing and collection mechanics: property taxes begin collections in January 2027 but are effectively fixed in dollars over the levy period, while an income tax grows with wage income but can take somewhat longer to realize revenue flows.
Board debate exposed differing priorities. Trustees who urged acting now argued the district risks missing the filing window and needs revenue to stabilize operations and fund elements of the strategic plan; one trustee said delaying risks leaving the public with no option. Other trustees insisted the board must finalize and cost the strategic-plan priorities and secure broader stakeholder buy-in (including union and community partners) before asking voters for new operating money.
Members raised concerns about equity and messaging: some favor the income-tax option as a more progressive revenue source; others warned income-tax measures have historically passed at a lower rate and that shifting to income tax would require robust public education. Several trustees said they were willing in principle to support an 8-mill property levy but preferred more detailed cost-to-priority mapping before committing publicly.
President Craig directed staff to circulate two possible special-meeting dates and asked trustees to respond by the following Wednesday so the board can hold a short, focused vote ahead of the August 5 filing deadline. The treasurer warned that if no levy is passed, the district faces a multi-million-dollar annual shortfall and difficult structural choices in coming budgets.
