10-23-1995 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON OCTOBER 23, 1995 (Dr. Mich - School Referendum - Continued) Kelley asked if the operating costs were projected to increase. Mich said the operating • costs would increase by $200,000 per year out of a $14 million operating budget. This amount is paid by tax dollars but the school district cannot go back to the taxpayer and asked for the additional $200,000. The state tells the school district what amount they can levy. The state has withdrawn contributions to education when the State has financial problems which has produced less money for the schools on which to operate. Callahan remarked the people who turn out for voting for a referendum are generally not a true representation of the general populous. It was his opinion that the majority of a small minority of people make the decision. Callahan said he was concerned with people losing the ability to pay their increasingly high taxes. The bond would increase the taxes further by 9%. Callahan felt that the school district was budgeting for what they want and not necessarily what is needed. He was concerned that the general taxpayer did not understand the tax ramifications involved. Mich responded that in a referendum, it was one of the few times the people actually make the decision rather than delegating decisions to those they elect. He agreed that the tax system was unfair, especially to the metropolitan area, and there was a need to work with the legislature in making changes. Mich said he needed to work with the givens and look at the students and at what was best for the next century. He said it was his responsibility to inform the public and listen to their response. If the response by voting • was no, he would need to figure out what that meant. Callahan commented on the recent park survey and how it reflects on the school's swing to involving community activities in their buildings. When the citizens were surveyed on spending money for activity fields, the majority did not wish to do so. He noted that the hockey and little league association paid for their facilities with money from those people interested in these activities. Callahan questioned whether this could be done with other group interests. Mich said if the referendum fails, the usage of the activity fields by other interests would be decreased. He noted if these community interests were not at the school doors, they would be at the City's looking for alternatives. Mich said athletics was not the issue but the need to provide wholesome activities, which involves athletics. 10