VOTER ALERT! TAX HIKES ON THE BALLOT! Deadline Nears For Filing Statements On Ballot Propositions – David Stringer, Publisher

Seasoned voters know that local politicians trying to raise taxes get a publicity windfall by controlling the official ‘Voter Guide’ sent out just before an election. These information pamphlets, ostensibly intended to educate voters, are prepared at taxpayer expense, and are typically stacked in favor of the propositions seeking higher taxes.  The statements tend to be lopsided in favor because the insiders know the deadlines and orchestrate the filings. This article is intended to level the playing field by letting everyone know the rules and that the deadlines for filing statements, either pro or con, are fast approaching.

By far the most consequential proposed tax increase is a doubling of the Jail District Sales Tax from the current quarter cent ($.0025) to a full half cent ($.005), applied to all taxable sales (Proposition 497). Unlike local school bonds and municipal taxes hikes, a higher jail tax would apply county wide, last for twenty years, and over time would pad the county budget by tens of millions of dollars. County politicians say it’s needed. The net effect would be a windfall for the county government, freeing up millions of dollars currently used for jail operations, for whatever use county politicians saw fit. That could include anything from pay raises for county employees to new cars, higher per diems and out of state junkets for County Supervisors. Nothing in the wording of Proposition 497 places any restrictions on how the money ‘freed up’ by higher taxes
could be spent.

The proposed tax hike appears to be virtually identical to previous attempts voted down by large margins in 2009 and 2014. The difference this time is that with previous tax proposals, the county government was seeking funds to build a second jail in Yavapai County. County voters said NO. Twice. But in 2019, without voter approval or a  secure source of future funding in place, the County Board Of Supervisors decided to build the jail anyway. Now they’re stuck with surplus jail beds they claim they can’t afford to pay for. Some might call this shrewd politics. County politicians out-maneuvered the voters. But others might call it a form of budget blackmail. Build the jail whether people want it or not.  And then ‘poor mouth’  the county budget until the voters are forced to raise taxes to pay for it.

According to the County Elections Office, voter statements either in support or opposition to the Jail District sales tax are due no later than Wednesday,  August 5^th, at 5pm. They may not exceed 200 words, must be notarized and require a fee of $25.00. Voters contemplating filing a statement are strongly encouraged to review the technical requirements HERE  or contact the Elections Office at 928.771.3248

Also on the November ballot, Prescott voters will be asked to consider another school bond and budget override request from the Prescott Unified School District (PUSD). Despite declining enrollment and low student achievement scores that have plagued the District for years, Proposition 406 is asking for a $20 Million dollar bond.  A second PUSD Proposition, 405, is asking for authority to spend in excess of their authorized budget by 7%.

The arguments put forth by PUSD are familiar from previous elections. Proponents claim the cost of housing is too high in Prescott and they can’t find qualified teachers. They want the District to offer housing bonuses. But some question if adding government money to an already inflated housing market will improve affordability for the community at large. If anything, a market awash in government subsidy seems likely to inflate already high costs, especially for rental housing..

It’s worth noting that complaints about an inability to find qualified teachers is not heard from the many charter, parochial and private schools in our area. Year after year,
these schools are able to staff their classrooms with competent teachers and achieve higher student outcomes than their District school counterparts.

Many voters question the wisdom and necessity of the demands PUSD is making on the community. Those wishing to help frame the questions to be addressed in the November election have the right to file statements that will be printed in the official Voter Guide. Please note that the filing process and deadline are different for Propositions involving Yavapai County Schools. Statements are limited to 200 words, must be signed and notarized, and must be filed with the Yavapai County Superintendent of Schools no later than Friday, August 7th, at 5pm. There is no filing cost for statements filed on the PUSD bond and override propositions.

Those contemplating filing statements are encouraged to check the technical requirements HERE, or call the Superintendent’s office at 928.442.5146.