This week's Board of Supervisors' decision to simply substitute $7.3 million in local tax funds needed for the school system with $7.3 million in federal stimulus funds doesn't seem to achieve the stated goals. The shift in funding would not create or preserve a single school system job nor would it increase services provided by the schools. Nor is it likely the freed up money will be invested into debt-free construction or even to accelerate bond payments, options that could achieve long-term savings and are typically viewed as prudent uses of one-time revenues.
Most likely the action simply permits the Board of Supervisors to shave 1 cent off the real estate tax rate. That means a family living in a $400,000 home will save $40 in taxes next year - enough, perhaps, to sit-down for a meal at a restaurant.
Monday, March 30, 2009
President Obama buys dinner for Loudoun
From Leesburg Today Editorial: Hitting the Target?
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The Supervisors' decision goes against the directive of President Obama and Congress. Citizens need to contact the Supervisors and express to them their expectation that the stimulus funds be used as intended, not for lowering the tax rate or any other purpose outside of LCPS.
ReplyDeleteHow can the BOS go against what the PRESIDENT OF THE US said the money should go towards--schools--most importantly saving programs, teachers, and class sizes?!?!
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