Nov 23, 2022. ‘WE WILL EVALUATE’: Proposed referendum fails on ballot, residents speak on voting ‘yes’ or ‘no by Abigail Youmans. Now Brown County Schools are reevaluating how to move forward after the proposed operating referendum failed.
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- Post of the article at Brown County Matters. The article provides insight from those who voted Yes and from two individuals that voted No. No mention that Kevin Patrick was the only candidate that publicly stated he would vote No.
FACT CHECK: “Had the referendum passed, the overall increase in property taxes — not per homeowner — paid to the schools would have increased by 33.91%, an increase of about $3.26 per month.” HOW does this statement align with State law? Link to the calculation provided by Brown County’s Auditor on the calculation approved by DLGF: - Post of the article and comments at the Brown County Democrat.
- Post of the article at Brown County Matters. The article provides insight from those who voted Yes and from two individuals that voted No. No mention that Kevin Patrick was the only candidate that publicly stated he would vote No.
Interesting headlines in last week’s (Nov 16) Democrat. Republicans swept local elections and the referendum received a No Vote. Post at Brown County Matters
Regarding the referendum, the first reaction by the Superintendent reported by WTHR is to conduct another referendum in 2023 because the voters were “confused and misled.” Ref: WTHR “‘It felt like a death’ | Brown County voters reject school referendum.
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“What’s next for the school district? Tracy said they will seek another referendum in 2023, before the current one expires.” –
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I believe the language on the ballot is confusing and misleading for voters and it is our effort to continue to educate and inform our community.
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Who is confused? The ”spin” regarding the tax increase was that the language by the state was confusing and misleading. Indiana Law, the math, and the language on the ballot is VERY clear. Example: If the taxable value of the property (assessed value minus deductions) is $87,792, then the total tax is $105.35. (87,792 divided by 100 multiplied by 12 cents), e.g. grade school level math. This is an average 33% increase in the amount of tax paid to the school corporation. To quote: “The average property tax increase paid to the school corporation per year will increase by 33.91% for residences and 20.91% on business property.” Ref: Auditor Julia Reeves, – worksheet submitted to the DLGF.).
The Spin and Reaction. The superintended took the position of comparing the “expiring” tax (8 cents per 100 of assessed value) to the new 12 cent tax equating the increase (4 cents) as equivalent to a McDonald’s Extra Value Meal or only 3-6 dollars per month. … “If the Brown County Schools referendum would have passed, the median assessed value homeowner would have paid roughly $3 to $6 more per month in property taxes.” .
Many citizens may have considered this spin along with the claims that the state language was “confusing and misleading,” as insulting, demeaning, and professionally unethical without the supporting context. The new tax would transfer over 15 million dollars over 8 years from the citizens to the school corporation – hardly a trivial amount.
o. A Good Argument. A good argument and counter-arguments (based on logic and reason as opposed to emotions) supported with a comprehensive assessment and supporting detail would be helpful. This should address why the superintendent believes that closing schools is not a viable option.
o. County Tax Policy. Note also that the lower property tax rates in Brown County are the result of a deliberate policy decision by Republicans who swept the local elections. The County opted for higher income taxes (among the highest in the State) as opposed to increasing property taxes as the major source of revenue. The lower property taxes are of value to many including the 53.1% of our population in the low to moderate-income categories and to the many that are on fixed incomes.
Independent Voters of Brown County IN 