Post by andrewd on Apr 18, 2008 6:34:06 GMT -5
Officials: Budget defeated by turnout
School tax levy rejected 240-216
By Kim Predham • FREEHOLD BUREAU • April 17, 2008
FREEHOLD — Low voter turnout may have contributed to the defeat of the borough school district's $7.8 million tax levy Tuesday, some school officials contend.
Residents voted 240-216 to reject the proposed 2008-09 levy, which would have supported a $19.6 million budget. The levy would have provided for the addition of 12 staff positions; it would also have increased the local school property tax rate by about 2.4 cents for every $100 of assessed property value.
Now, the Borough Council must determine by May 19 whether the defeated tax levy should be reduced.
Schools Superintendent Elizabeth O'Connell plans to submit budget information to the council today or Friday.
"I really couldn't tell you" why the levy did not pass, O'Connell said, especially because residents approved a tax levy in 2007 that called for a higher tax rate increase — 7.4 cents — and cut 12 jobs.
The superintendent did note that voter turnout was lower this year than last. A total of 456 people voted on the tax levy Tuesday. In 2007, 656 people cast their votes for or against a $7.4 million levy, which was approved 357-299.
A $75,275 public question for sports, activities and a residency officer also were approved in 2007, 342-314.
"If we had a better turnout with the parents, I think the budget would have passed," said Board of Education member Andrew DeFonzo, who won re-election Tuesday.
What DeFonzo has heard from residents, he said, is that they just didn't see the point of voting.
"It's a waste of their time," DeFonzo says some residents think.
Even if voters defeat a school tax levy, the amount could stay the same if the municipality's governing body does not recommend cuts.
If the school board disagrees with the Borough Council's action, the board also could choose to appeal the governing body's decision to state Education Commissioner Lucille E. Davy.
Another concern for DeFonzo was that no one stepped up to challenge the three incumbents running for re-election.
"This is the same thing every year. Nobody ever runs in opposition to anybody. . . . It's a little aggravating sometimes," DeFonzo said.
The school board will hold its organization meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
School tax levy rejected 240-216
By Kim Predham • FREEHOLD BUREAU • April 17, 2008
FREEHOLD — Low voter turnout may have contributed to the defeat of the borough school district's $7.8 million tax levy Tuesday, some school officials contend.
Residents voted 240-216 to reject the proposed 2008-09 levy, which would have supported a $19.6 million budget. The levy would have provided for the addition of 12 staff positions; it would also have increased the local school property tax rate by about 2.4 cents for every $100 of assessed property value.
Now, the Borough Council must determine by May 19 whether the defeated tax levy should be reduced.
Schools Superintendent Elizabeth O'Connell plans to submit budget information to the council today or Friday.
"I really couldn't tell you" why the levy did not pass, O'Connell said, especially because residents approved a tax levy in 2007 that called for a higher tax rate increase — 7.4 cents — and cut 12 jobs.
The superintendent did note that voter turnout was lower this year than last. A total of 456 people voted on the tax levy Tuesday. In 2007, 656 people cast their votes for or against a $7.4 million levy, which was approved 357-299.
A $75,275 public question for sports, activities and a residency officer also were approved in 2007, 342-314.
"If we had a better turnout with the parents, I think the budget would have passed," said Board of Education member Andrew DeFonzo, who won re-election Tuesday.
What DeFonzo has heard from residents, he said, is that they just didn't see the point of voting.
"It's a waste of their time," DeFonzo says some residents think.
Even if voters defeat a school tax levy, the amount could stay the same if the municipality's governing body does not recommend cuts.
If the school board disagrees with the Borough Council's action, the board also could choose to appeal the governing body's decision to state Education Commissioner Lucille E. Davy.
Another concern for DeFonzo was that no one stepped up to challenge the three incumbents running for re-election.
"This is the same thing every year. Nobody ever runs in opposition to anybody. . . . It's a little aggravating sometimes," DeFonzo said.
The school board will hold its organization meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
