Edina Asks for Two Levies

Think we are overtaxed in Robbinsdale?  Check out what the Edina school district is asking for;

From the Sun Post;

Edina taxpayers will be asked to approve a $45 million technology referendum this fall.

The Edina School Board voted 6-0, member Idith Almog absent, Monday, July 18, to place the capital project levy on the Nov. 8 general election ballot, as well as a renewal of its general operating levy.

Wow, look at all that dissent on their school board!  Isn’t it amazing how all school board members seem to always reach the same conclusion.

The technology levy would collect $4.5 million annually for the next 10 years. It would more than quadruple the existing taxpayer levy for technology, which expires in 2012.  Currently, Edina collects about $1 million a year with its technology levy. That provides approximately $122 per pupil, falling behind several area districts.

Quadruple the levy?  Quadruple!

Boardmember Peyton Robb said the increase would help the district remain competitive.  “It’s not something that we take lightly. It’s very well thought out,” he said.

Yes, isn’t every tax increase well thought out.

According to the district, Edina’s existing technology referendum is less than measures in Hopkins, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Wayzata, St. Louis Park and Bloomington districts. At the top of that group, Hopkins collects $719 per pupil each year. At the bottom, Bloomington collects $273.

Really?  Is this a spending contest?

The renewal and increase would bring Edina’s per pupil amount to $549. That would include about $600,000 a year in capital expenses, as well as $3.9 million a year for maintenance, staff training, software and server enhancements.  If approved by voters, the estimated impact on an average $400,000 home in Edina would be $220 a year, an increase of $173 from the current $48 collected for technology.

And when that home is worth $300,000 is a few years the tax will go down too right?

The increased referendum would also free up general fund dollars now being spent on technology for other uses. While the district collects $1 million a year in taxes for technology, it actually spends closer to $3.3 million through a combination of the referendum, capital and general funds.  Also up for renewal is the district’s $400 per pupil operating referendum, currently at the maximum amount allowed by the state. It would provide about $3 million a year for the next 10 years if approved by voters. It would continue to have a $158 annual impact on a $400,000 home in Edina.

Supt. Ric Dressen said the district would provide more specifics on the measures leading up to the November election.

“We have a full plan we’ll roll out in August to share information with community,” he said.

More specifics later?  Shouldn’t you have the specifics before you ask for the money?