Carl's Capitol Comments

 

October 24, 2018



State Question 801, School Property Taxes to be used for School Operations

This is the final State Question that will be on the November Ballot. State Question 801 has to do with using ad valorem taxes to help with operations expenses at the secondary schools of Oklahoma.

If passed, the 5 mill building fund could be used for operational purposes as deemed necessary by a school district. So there is no new money being generated by this proposition it is just broadening how the building fund money can be used. Currently, building fund money can only be used for building remodeling, building repairs, building maintenance, utilities and maintenance staff.

Currently, ad valorem tax (a tax based on the assessed value of an item such as real estate or personal property) is used for various purposes. This tax is levied by a vote of the people in many cases. Ad valorem funds: schools, county government, cities, county health departments, and Career Tech.

Currently, individual school can levy up to 39 mills to support general operations of the school and up to 5 mills for the building fund. For a point of reference, a mill is 1/1000 of a dollar or better explained $1 for every $1,000 of value. In the case of 39 mills, schools currently get $39 for every $1,000 of valuation of real property for operations and can vote in an additional $5 for every $1,000 valuation for the building fund.

One of the concerns raised by opponents of this proposition, if schools operations (teacher’s salaries, auxiliary staff, or other personnel) are dependent on this tax what funds will be available to maintain the school’s buildings.

Proponents of the proposition say it gives some schools a better chance to be more competitive with other schools. This money could be used to attract teachers and other professionals in to coming to their school districts.

The final question comes in deciding if the building fund money should be used for operations. The question is this the best avenue to get more money into our schools. The education of our children is very important; I just want to make sure we aren’t doing one thing at the risk of another.

I hope these discussions on the State Questions have been helpful. Please, remember to vote as this is one of your opportunities to have your voice heard. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Please call my office at 405-557-7339 or email me at [email protected]. Thanks again and May God Bless you and The

 

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