November Voted Local Levy

VOTED LOCAL LEVY – BE INFORMED

Garfield School District has been working to inform the citizens of Garfield County of the upcoming November Voted Local Levy.  I have traveled to Bryce Canyon City, Boulder, Henrieville, Tropic, Escalante and Antimony City Councils to present the information and answer any questions the citizens in those communities might have relating to the Voted Local Levy.  I was unable to attend Hatch and Cannonville Council meetings because of scheduling conflicts with School Board meeting. I will be attending the County Commission meeting on September 23 and Panguitch City Council on September 24 to present information and answer questions.  Just as a reminder, the General Obligation Bonds that were approved by the public to build new buildings over 15 years ago will be paid off in June of 2014 and June of 2015.  At that time, Garfield School District will be debt free.  The District would like to continue to be debt free by asking the tax payers to approve the Voted Local Levy this November which would allow the District to keep the tax rates the same and save money for building future elementary schools.  If the Local Levy passes, the District would be able to pay cash for a new elementary school in six years and continue to save this money to replace old structures without increasing taxes.  By saving the money, the School District would gain interest instead of paying interest each year on the money.   If the Voted Local Levy passes, it would also allow the District to receive matching money from the Utah State Office of Education each year.  This would guarantee at least $55,000 each year from State tax dollars at no increase to Garfield County residents.  If money is left over in the voted local fund from the Utah Legislature, it is reallocated and distributed to Districts with voted local levies.  I would strongly encourage everyone to become informed on the issue so, when you have to opportunity to cast your ballot, you will have the information needed to make best decision possible. All of the ballots will arrive in the mail in October and must be returned to the County by November 5, 2013.  If you have not received the information in the mail please visit the Garfield County School District web page at:  http://www.garfield.k12.ut.us/ for additional information on the Voted Local Levy.  If you have questions, please call me at the District Office or contact your local School Board member.

–Superintendent Ben Dalton

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