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Voting RodeoPosted Thursday, May 20, 2010, at 12:09 AM
Is The Sky Really Falling?
1. I worry about those in charge of finances for the MHSD. This problem did not come up over night. Why are we acting like it just came up? Rely less on state funding. Work with what you have. 2. A roof lasts 15-20 years at best. The MHSD had 15-20 years to save for a new roof for the MHHS. Why was this expense such a shock/surprise? Those of us who own homes do preventative maintenance and repairs. Why is this expense such a shock to those in charge? It did not go bad over night---it went bad over time.
3. The MHSD Board voted to replace the remaining portion of the roof at the MHHS yet it was stated they may not have payroll for June. So, once again...where has all of the money gone? Why did the powers that be not see this? 4. How can the MHSD have finance people that are so out of touch? How does throwing these people more money solve the problem? How does this help the current situation? State funding will not go back to what it was. So, where/what are we going to cut? What are the long term goals of the MHSD to stand on their own two feet? 5. Have the finance people who work for the school district had their pay cut as well or is this is a situation much like AIG? More/higher taxes are not the answer. We need to reduce spending and formulate a budget---an actual budget--- and stick to it. Cuts will need to be made unless the fine people of Mountain Home plan to fund over spending way into the future. In the real world, we live on budgets and try to spend accordingly. You may want chicken but Hamburger Helper is what is in the budget here. This issue really is NOT about NOT wanting to support the kids. Most of us on here agree that education is very-very important. Teachers are very-very important. However, there needs to be accountabilty for the mess we are in. Somebody got us here but nobody will fall on their sword. Many of us on this forum said we were headed for really hard times and needed cuts as opposed to more spending. Where is the accountability in all of this mess? This budget problem did not just "pop" up. How does voting for this levy SOLVE the problem at hand---more going out than has come/will come in? What is the long term solution? No matter what, cuts will need to be made. What are we willing to live without? That is the 5.6 million dollar question. Live as if state funding will be cut another 25%. Think ahead. Plan. Nobody likes what is going on but most of us are going through it. Many have faced job loss, pay cuts, etc. It is a tough time. If we are smart, we will make good choices and come out of this in better shape. If not, we are in for a really tough, long ride. Time will tell I guess. Comments Showing comments in chronological order [Show most recent comments first] |
Str8 Talk  - Archives - Blog RSS feed ![[Feed icon]](http://www.mountainhomenews.com/images/icons/feed-icon-14x14.png){kind=icon} - Comments RSS feed - Send email to Tracy Lauric - Login I have lived in Mountain Home for over 11 years now. I love to be outdoors in wide open spaces (as long as it does not involve camping...in a tent and an out house). I dislike Government waste/abuse of tax dollars and "sky is the limit" spending by those that we elect to represent "us." I value free speech when what is stated is factual (as opposed to lies, gossip and un-truths). I love the Chicago White Sox (I never said I was perfect) and the Broncos are okay too! I am 38 years old and married to a guy who is active duty USAF (and a Cubs fan...he is the "perfect" one). I am anti-nuclear and against further desecration of our planet with waste that we can do little to nothing with. If you dislike blunt, this is not the blog for you. Enjoy!
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Well Said, My biggest concern is we are putting a Band-Aid on a large infected wound. This 5.6 million dollar levy (TAX let's call it what it is) on some of the public (Homeowners) is only for two years. What is the plan in two years? Does the school board actually think they will get funding back next year as I have been reading and hearing on the blogs; they must be taking some pretty good drugs if that is the case. In two years they will be back for more. Print this out and tack it up somewhere, in two years the sky falls again. Born free and taxed to death is the motto here.
All right - enough already! We know how you feel about the school levy. Nothing like beating a dead horse. Can't you go back to fighting against the WECRD - we all know how well that worked out for you.
As much as I hate to see more taxes, because I too live on a budget, I will be voting YES for this levy. The students deserve it!
My blog. I get to pick the topic(s). There is the choice to read or not to read just like there is the choice to comment or not. I am glad that you will vote yes. At least when this all falls apart, we will know who made it so and the reasons/lack of reasons why. It will serve as the starting point for accountability---something we very much need, IMHO.
If you don't like what she says don't read it. She can state her opinion all she wants, as can we all. There are plenty of people who state their opinion about why they approve of the levy and I don't hear anyone telling them "enough".
I agree, there is no plan as to what will happen in 2 years. The economy is not going to recover that fast and unless we tighten our belts now we will probably have to cut our throats in 2 years so our belly doesn't complain. Parents are responsible for their children and keeping them out of gangs, I am responsible for providing the taxes that provide their education and I have providing sufficient taxes for a stellar education if that money is spent wisely and conservatively. I will vote No.
From what I understand if the levy passes no repairs on the schools will be done with that money.
They are needing repairs now and as time goes by they will only need more and more fixing.. When the HS roof collapse's where will the children learn? Where will the money come from to make the necessary repairs? What shape are the other schools in?
MsMarylin,
The last section of the High School roof is scheduled to be fixed this summer. The cost for the repairs was included in this years budget.
William Murray
And say the SD did save for a roof for 10 years.
If there wasn't a need for a roof in year 11 would you want the SD to return your part of the pie?
In my last post, change "10" to read "15", change 11 to read "16".
Further, if we'd prefer MHSD to "stand on their own two feet", are you suggesting that we decline state and federal funds?
Anyone have an estimate of the amount any levy would be if the SD didn't receive state and federal funds?
How much better off would that make us?
Guess some school districts can work out problems with money with all the cut backs when is SD 193 going to figure out time to tighten their belts here also. Just in case you don't know I have been reading all the comments on both sides of the fence and I will vote NO on the levy and I am not giving my reasons but you can bet it falls right back to the staff in the district and not the kids that need the education.
http://www.idahostatesman.com/2010/05/20...
If a private business had to operate with the reduction of income that the school district has already had and will have even if the levy passes, it would have closed it doors and gone out of business. When you compare a school district with a for profit business it is like comparing apples to oranges.
Mr Murray
That's good to know that the HS Roof will get fixed this summer and come fall the kids won't have rain falling on their heads while in class..
Does the SB have a plan for the other problems going on with the HS as well as the other schools in district 193?
Mr Murray, I just need to bring something to your attention I am sure you are aware of seeing as now you are on the school board. Remember back to the last bond election to turn the junior high into the high school that was held in May but the school district had awarded a contract to fix the roof over the high school gym and had put it in the bond part they figured would pass and didn't and the contract was awarded in Feb and the public knew nothing about that part of the bond and now you people wonder why the public has a hard time believing in what you have to say and what will happen with the levy and all that money. Someday in part of your life being part of the admin in the SD you need to work with the public and get a budget instead of looking to the public for more taxes everytime you want, if that is the only way to operate then grow your own money tree I don't have one. Bottom line is my question now if the money was in the budget for the roof where did it come from and what effect does it have on whatever is next?
Amused:
A lot of local businesses ARE attempting to make it with the same budget cuts as the MHSD---they just do not take in as much money as the MHSD. However, with the banks taking away loan funding and credit and charging more for credit card acceptance, etc....local businesses are doing without. With less people employed and with pay cuts, etc. they also have a loss in income and use. So Amused, we all feel it. Some just choose to cut while others do not.
The Tiger softball team is playing right now in Pocatello, and are up 8-0 in the third inning. Be sure to tune in to KMHI to hear the action. GO TIGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eagle_eye,
I would love to listen to the public, unfortunately if no one speaks there is nothing to listen to..
In fact I would be glad to sit down with you(again if I remember correctly)and hear why the Meridian Schools scenario is so much better than ours.
William Murray
wtmurray_1998@yahoo.com
"The MHSD Board voted to replace the remaining portion of the roof at the MHHS yet it was stated they may not have payroll for June. So, once again...where has all of the money gone? Why did the powers that be not see this?"
The gym roof was fixed with that money because it had asbestos and was about to fall.
Unfortunately, more roof problems have arisen nearby.
As another update on that floor problem in the theater closet- it's been changed to seventy pounds per square foot.
HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW STATE CHAMPIONS!!
Our Mountain Home Lady Tigers WON the Idaho State softball championship last night in Pocatello in a very close contest against Kuna.
Don't take sports away from these kids...
Vote YES to the levy.
For some reason I have not been able to post on the main blog. It freezes up. Anyway, just want to say that the candy shop on Jackson St is really nice, and the people there are really friendly and easy to talk with. Loved the visit and we will go back again. Thanks Jackson St. Sweets. Good job.
Does anyone know if the $23B dollar bill that is before congress to keep teachers jobs will affect this levy? Below is the article.
http://liveshots.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/...
reallycurious. that would be nice but currently NO matter how you vote the teachers of sd193 will not get a dime for years to come what a disgrace!
It has been stated on here, numerous times, that the extra-curricular activities account for about $300,000 of the proposed levy and that the rest is going to keep teacher's salaries from any further decrease. If this is the case, why not ask for a levy just to cover the salaries and put extra activities up in a pay-to-play situation? The Meridian School District is considering this very action, so why can't the Mountain Home School District?
http://www.ktvb.com/news/Meridian-voters...
@bazookaman
simple question: Why?
Anyway, voting is closed now I'm assuming? Well, we'll see who's going to be pleased next year, and who's going to be upset.
The proposed levy at Meridian is less than SD193. Also they are a larger school/area. Speak with any teacher and find out when they last got any increase in their pay here. Teachers come first no matter what. How about passing the hat for them for once?