TAB Opposes Referendum for Continued Levy of 0.25 mills for School Board

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August 17, 2010

PRESS RELEASE

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Date: Mon, 16 Aug 2010

For your information:

The following email was sent to the PBC Commissioners. PBC TAB (https://pbctab.org) is against the extension of the .25 mills tax. We are for decreasing government spending in all aspects of Palm Beach County government. Three of the PBC School Board members voted against the referendum – so this was by no means a unanimous position on behalf of the School Board. The BCC’s role in this, other than passing it through to the Supervisor of Elections, is unclear.

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To: PBC Commissioners
Subject: Palm Beach County BCC Agenda Item 6A-1 Resolution regarding Referendum for continued levy of 0.25 mills for School Board of Palm Beach County
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 2010

Commissioners:

PBC TAB strongly objects to the actions of the Palm Beach County School Board in voting for the continuation of an annual levy of 0.25 mills for school operational purposes for the next four fiscal years beginning July 1, 2011 and ending June 30, 2015.

The annual levy of .25 mill was a tax scheduled to lapse next year, unless put to a referendum. The tax, if continued, would be expected to generate around $32 million per year for the next four years.

Palm Beach County School officials already expect to get $38 million from last week’s $26 billion jobs bill, which they plan to apply to the 2011-2012 school year.
These are difficult economic times for Palm Beach County taxpayers. The next few years are expected to be equally difficult. Government needs to be cutting deeply and the Palm Beach County School Board is no exception. If it is possible for you, the Board of County Commissioners, to stop the referendum from going on the ballot, please vote NO.
Let this tax expire.

References:
Palm Beach County School Board Tentative Budget
Sun-Sentinel Article on Florida Federal Aid