08-12-2002 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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'''in Questions and Answers about the upcoming levy referendum Why Is ths levy rsfsrsndum nsesssary? The School Board is taking steps to balance the budget, which means that $1.1 million of cost reductions must be made unless other funding is made available. Passage of the levy will bring additional operating funds to the school district, reducing the amount of projected budget cuts required in the future. The proposal asks voters to choose between two levels of cuts: 1) A successful levy vote will provide an estimated $800,000 in additional revenue for 2003-2004. The School Board has identified the remaining $300,000 in cuts that would result in a balanced budget for 2003- 2004. These cuts will take place even if the vote passes. 2) An additional $800.(MX) in budget cuts will be required to balance the budget if the levy fails. The School Board has identified those additional cuts and is now taking steps to communicate the information to the public to help voters make a decision. How much will it cost? The owner of a home valued at $100,000 will see an estimated School District referendum levy tax increase of $33 in 2003 ($2.75 per month). Maiket ValuB $100,000 $200,000 $300,000 $500,000 Current Ref. $100 200 300 500 EsL Proposed EsLPtopoeed M TA»p«9nf« Ref. TaxM 2012 $133 $137 266 274 399 411 665 685 (Figures assume 5.5% annual increase in property values and no net gain in number of students.) Why Is ths vots schsdulsd for Primary Elsetlon Day? The law permits school districts that are in statutory operating debt (like Westonka) to hold levy referendum elections outside of the General Election Day. Primary Election Day was the earliest a vote could be scheduled. What ars ths District ’s soincss of opsratiiifi rsvsnus? Federal Local Aid Revenue 4% 7% Local Levies State Aid 42%i Note: figures are for 2000-2001, the most recent audited data available. Local Revenue = food serx ice sales, tuition, gifts, interest Where can I get mors informstion about ths levy? • Check the District Web site, www.westonka.k12.mn.us • Call the Levy Hotline at 952.491.8443 • E-mail welisten@westonka.kl2.mn.us • Attend one or more of the Levy Question and Answer sessions: •1\iesday, August 20,10 a.ni., at the Gillespie Center •'hicsday, August 20,7:30 pjn^ at the Early Childhood Center. Hilltop Primary, Shirley Hills Primary, Grandview Middle School, and Mound Westonka High School •Monday, August 26,7:30 pjn., in the Little Theater of Mound Westonka High ^hool (in conjunction with School Board Study Session) •Wednesday, September 4,7:30 pjn., at Hilltop Primary, Shirley Hills Primary, Grandview Middle School, and Mound Westonka High School over iTfriwii III ■llllll^l^lTni^alll