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Show chools Covering what matters most School Board discusses taxation issues WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2007 - A11 Ready to Cheer Lindsay B. Wolsey STAFF WRITER The Aug. 8 Nebo School Board meeting wasn't just any school board meeting; it was a Truth in Taxation hearing. The majority of those in attendance were retirees on fixed incomes and many of them were clutching property tax assessments. Everyone was wondering why their property values had increased by as much as 100 percent, and where was the money going? Nebo School District is the fastest growing district in the state, with over 1,000 new students each year. As soon as a new school is built, it is full to capacity, and many Nebo schools are packed with more students than they were built to support. For example, Spanish Fork High School is currently educating more than 1,800 students, and it was originally built for only 900. Continued growth means more students, more students mean more schools, and more schools mean more money is needed. In 2006, taxpayers contributed $4 million from property tax revenues, and the state funded $3.7 million. This year, $5.9 million of property tax revenues will go to Nebo School District. Another $2.2 million in funding will be - matched by the state. Business Administrator Tracy Olsen explained that Nebo School District is planning to raise three different tax levies: the board leeway, the voted leeway, and the K-3 reading program. If school districts do not maintain the state mandated level of the levies, they lose state funds. In order for Nebo to raise the amount of the tax levy, they are required by the state to go through the Truth in Taxation process. Although it was a Truth in Taxation hearing, the meeting soon spiraled into a forum to discuss homeowner frustrations regarding the property value increase. Many homeowners, particularly those on fixed incomes, were concerned about how they will pay their increased property tax. County Assessor Kris Poulson was quick to offer several options. Homeowners who can't afford to pay their property taxes have options if they meet disability or income guidelines. Information on tax abatements is available from the county clerk7 auditor's office at 851-8109. The deadline for filing tax abatements is Sept. 1,2007. If you plan to appeal your assessment, third party realtors and auditors will be available to help walk you through the process. Simply call the county assessor's office at 851-8286 and setup an appointment. . In addition to the property tax increase and the changes in the levy, Nebo School District issued $35 million in bonds. Unlike the majority of the meeting attendees, Springville High School student Jeremy Chandler approached the school board with a subject that wasn't connected to taxes. Chandler spoke passionately about the fate of the sixth grade music programs when the sixth grade becomes part of the elementary schools. Springville High's orchestra is currently ranked third in the nation. Chandler suggested that the sixth grade music programs are the foundation to having a great band program. He presented School Board President Dean Rowley with a petition signed by over 450 people in support of retaining the sixth grade band/orchestra programs. Rowley stated that the board was discussing options to address music programs being affected by the changes. Courtesy photos, GOOD CHEER: The Spanish Fork High School cheerleaders 2007-2008 are excited for the new school year to begin. They want to thank everyone for supporting their fund raiser at the rodeo. It was a huge success. The cheer calendars are now available. They can be purchased from any cheerleader for only $5. Not only do they have fun pictures, but they also have dates for all the High School sporting events for the coming year. Support our High School teams and we'll see you at the games! Seniors, pictured, back row, left to right, are Sammy Lira, Bradi Jensen, Alexa Beck and Lauren Leavitt; front row, McKenzie Froerer, Meghan Olson and Lisa Money. JUNIORS: Pictured, back row, left to right, are Angela Dams, Julie Haskell, Kendra Lauder and Jessica Money. Pictured front row are Rachel Thomas, Haley McClellan, Marissa Cowles. SOPHOMORES: Pictured, back row, left to right, are Brooke Hales, Brookln Hansen, Shinae Brumfiel'd, Jessie Christensen, Kylee McKell, Elisha Sanderson and Morgan Manwill; front row, Jessie Wilkins, Shantee Szalkawski, Robbie Nielsen, Jenessa Jorgensen and Bailey Hales. |