itsmyproperty.org
·
-montana property rights
·
-fair and equitable taxation for all
·
-a quality education for our kids
(unofficial) -----Kila Mill Levy results-----(unofficial) |
A “Mill Levy” increase is a
tax rate increase. Property taxes in
the Flathead, and especially in Kila, have ballooned out of control. If your household or medical expenses
increase, we do not have the right to reach into our neighbor’s pocket to pay
for them. We have to adjust. Examine our spending choices. Make our money
go further. Our schools should not be
any different.
From 1998 to 2006, Kila
Mill levies (mills=tax rate) have increased 110% since 1998. State funding and district levies (actual
dollars) spending for Kila have increased by 34% and 116%,
respectively. *1
|
1998 – 2006 Property Tax
Increases |
|||
|
SCHOOL DISTRICT |
ENROLLEMENT CHANGE (%) |
FUNDING INCREASE
(ACTUAL DOLLARS) STATE/DISTRICT LEVY |
MILL LEVY INCREASE |
Kalispell
|
+2% |
30%/26% |
14% |
Evergreen
|
+10% |
49%/62% |
44% |
Marion
|
-8% |
2%/106% |
30% |
West Glacier
|
-47% |
15%/-3% |
23% |
Whitefish
|
-16% |
3%/79% |
38% |
Flathead HS
|
+2% |
19%/38% |
53% |
KILA
|
+10%
|
34%/116% |
110% |
Property “district market
values” in Kila (the assessed value of all of the taxed real property in the
district) have increased 73% from 1998 to 2006. With increased property values,
property tax revenue increases (our taxes go up) even if the tax rate
(mill levy) stays the same.
The schools are already getting more money as your property value
goes up.
Property Values
increase (assessed “district market value”) 1998-2006 *2
|
|||
DISTRICT
|
1998
|
2006
|
INCREASE
|
|
Kalispell: |
$957,498,392 |
$1,473,733,795 |
54% |
|
Evergreen: |
177,091,541 |
261,586,616 |
48% |
|
Marion: |
103,723,572 |
213,568,764 |
106% |
|
West Glacier: |
77,520,183 |
91,786,598 |
18% |
|
Whitefish: |
717,993,273 |
1,413,232,059 |
97% |
KILA:
|
77,520,183
|
134,154,567
|
73%
|
Flathead County property
“district market value” has increased from 18% to 106%, depending on the
district.. Kila school district market
values have increased by 73%! Remember
that your taxes rise with the value of your property, even if the mill levy
stays the same. School enrollments
(number of children in school) have increased from –47% to +10% (depending on
the district). Kila enrollments are up
only 10% from 1998. Increases in school
revenue have greatly outpaced the increase in students!
Why are the schools so short of funds?????
We support our kids getting
a quality education, However, does providing mall-like “food courts” *3 at the new Glacier High and spending more money
automatically make for a better education?
We don’t think so.
Salary and benefit costs,
already 70 – 88% of general fund expenditures (depending on the district) *1 are spiraling out of control. Too many tax dollars are being spent for administratration and compliance with Federal and State red tape, instead of books and
teachers. We believe that the holding
of a “special” school election, in May, is a waste of taxpayer’s money. Why not combine the school ballot measures
with those of the general election in June election years?
Kila mill levies have
increased more than any other district in the Flathead. Furthermore, this year Montana has a budget surplus of funds from taxes, why
this additional tax increase? The Flathead High
School district levy is already the third highest in the county (21 districts).
*1
We do support
voluntary participation from the community through fundraisers and other
means. When was the last time you
received a letter asking for a voluntary contribution?
We believe property taxes
are high enough and the school districts do not need a tax increase. Please vote NO on the Mill Levy increases,
on Tuesday, May 8 at the Kila School.
Questions and comments are
welcomed at info@itsmyproperty.org
Sources: 1. Flathead County “Statistical Report of Schools” 2006:
http://www.co.flathead.mt.us/schools/2006_Stats/2006Stats.pdf
If this link is broken, get it here: http://www.itsmyproperty.org/kila/2006stats.pdf
2. Montana Department of Revenue, 04/24/2007
3. Glacier High School Design Construction Highlights (page 5): http://www.sd5.k12.mt.us/ghs/bldg_futr/forms/ghs_dsn_cnstrctn_hilights.pdf
If this link is broken, get it here:
http://www.itsmyproperty.org/kila/Glacier HS.pdf