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Janesville School Board considers lower taxes
JANESVILLE – The Janesville School Board is considering not taxing to the maximum allowed by law.
The board on Tuesday night postponed approval of the 2008-09 budget and asked the administration to lay out scenarios in which up to $1 million in spending would be cut or funded in some other way.
Some board members said their goal is to come up with a budget that needs no tax increase. They said they are concerned with the bad economic news of the past month, including the probable closure of the Janesville General Motors plant by the end of 2010.
Jul 10, 2008 at 8:43 a.m.
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If GM closing means substantially lower property tax revenue in 2-3 years, then it's better to make these smaller annual spending cuts than one very painful one in 3 years.
Jul 10, 2008 at 8:02 a.m.
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It's nice to have the school board consider not taxing as much as they could however what's more important than our children's education. Teachers and the school system always seem to be getting the short end of the stick. Let's not short change our kids and teachers.
Jul 9, 2008 at 3:19 p.m.
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The Janesville education system will be a vital safety net as the community faces tough times. Making cuts to reduce taxes would be like a fisherman selling his rod to get through a rough patch. When businesses evaluate where they will locate, and whether they remain, the local education system is perhaps the most important factor. They want a well educated local employee group, and they want a good education for their kids. Cutting education will only make it more difficult to attract new businesses and keep the ones that are already here.
Jul 9, 2008 at 2:09 p.m.
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Refreshing to see elected officials actually working to LOWER spending and allow us to pay less taxes. Note: More money does not equal better education.
Jul 9, 2008 at 12:13 p.m.
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Maybe the School Board should have a talk with the City Council. 500K for an underpass. 1.4M for a baseball field. Property acquisition for parkland, etc. etc. This is a refreshing viewpoint, but the place we NEED to be spending money is on the education of our children - smaller class sizes, music and art, more special programs to bring the community into schools - so kids learn about the real world.
Jul 9, 2008 at 11:04 a.m.
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How do you not increase taxes? Every year inflation goes up and it effects the bottom line. The energy costs in the last few years have gone up enormously. How is the school district supposed to pay those costs without raising taxes. Our school district constantly ranks as one of the most efficient in the state.
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If you want to look for wasteful spending, look to Madison.
Jul 9, 2008 at 7:26 a.m.
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Why does it take bad times for government not to raise taxes? The school boards should always try to not cause tax increases.
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