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1-6-2002 Schools likely to make more cutsVentura's budget proposal will undo property tax break, Almanza says
BY RON BROCHU
Gov. Jesse Ventura's budget-balancing proposal essentially will undo the property tax break he advocated last year, Duluth Superintendent of Schools Julio Almanza told the School Board at a Tuesday meeting in the Central Administration Building. "Our preliminary assessment is that the shift will add 20 percent to the levy,'' Almanza said, stressing the estimate is preliminary. "The so-called tax relief has quickly disappeared.'' The financial ramifications should become more clear when district lobbyist Ron Soberg returns today from a briefing with state education officials. Already facing the need to trim $2.6 million from the district's 2002-03 budget, board members likely will be forced to make additional budget cuts. Given that prospect, the board should take another look at the possible elimination of one high school, board member Mary Cameron said. "I want to have all options available for review,'' she said. Almanza explained that Ventura's plan will force the district to absorb some special education and desegregation costs formerly paid for by the state. Other state aids also will be reduced. To make up the difference, local districts have the authority to increase the local property tax levy -- if legislators endorse Ventura's plan. Unlike the excess levy proposal that voters rejected last fall, the new levy authority may be used without taxpayer consent. "I'd be surprised if the city and county don't also raise their levies,'' Almanza said. The district could face an additional burden expected to reach $500,000, he said. The new costs will arise if lawmakers accept Ventura's recommendation to eliminate the sales tax exemption granted to public schools. That change would force the Duluth district to cut spending on items ranging from paper to textbooks. "The costs add up real quick,'' Almanza said. Board members have been reluctant to consider a high school closure as part of their budget-cutting plan. When Cameron raised the issue Tuesday, member Laura Condon said the proposal has triggered significant parental opposition in past years and was rejected last fall by a citizens' planning group. Cameron, however, said parents find the proposed elementary school closures just as painful. "Given the budget cuts, I believe the discussion should be held soon,'' she said. Budgetary issues next will be discussed when members meet in committee at
4:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Central Administration Building board room. |
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