According to a flyer handed out by Responsible Education for Bettendorf tomorrow’s (Tuesday Dec. 11th) plebiscite in Bettendorf regarding a proposed $30 million bond issue up for approval will:
- Result in an increase in property tax of 11%
- Will raise property taxes $3,100 per $100,000 of taxable value over 20years
- Represents $837 of additional debt per Bettendorf resident
- Will lower property values
- Will financially strap our schools for 20 years
Voting locations are: WaterfrontConvention Center – 2021 State St., Bettendorf and St.John Vianney Church – 4097 18thSt, Bettendorf
Voting is from 7:00AM to 8:00 PM
Former Senator David Hartsuch explained further in a press release today:
Former Iowa Senator David Hartsuch has gone on the record to oppose Bettendorf School District’s proposed $30 million bond issue and corresponding tax levy increase which is scheduled for a special election tomorrow, Tuesday December 11th.
According to former Iowa State Senator David Hartsuch, “Voters need to realize that this represents an 11% increase in property taxes on Bettendorf residents and will continue for 20 years. The staggering $30 million in proposed spending and debt represents nearly half of the district’s $78 million budget and the debt service will put additional financial strain on the district for decades to come. Future students deserve a fiscally sound district,and this is certainly not fiscally sound. Voters who are concerned about the future of the Bettendorf School District should vote NO tothe measure tomorrow, Tuesday Dec. 11”
The proposed measure raises the Bettendorf School District’s levy from its current $13.97 per $1,000 of taxable valuation by $1.55 to $15.52 per $1,000 in taxable value. This is an 11% increase. According to Sen. Hartsuch, “I am concerned that this additional tax would have a negative effect on real estate prices as the measure will make all Bettendorf homes less affordable. This measure places everybody’s tax bill on a steep increase over time due to the natural escalation of real estate prices. Unfortunately, we may also be driving senior citizen’s on limited income out of the market. ”
Senator Hartsuch said,The$30 million dollars in debt represents approximately $837 dollars per Bettendorf resident or worse yet $6,521 per student. Bettendorf residents who are concerned about the future solvency of our schools should Vote No to the measure tomorrow at either the Waterfront Convention center, or St. John Vianney church. “
For additional information call David Hartsuch at 563-332-9210.
