For some there is an election next week

The County Line

On Tuesday, May 2, voters in Adams, Clay and Washington townships will be eligible to vote in special referendum elections in which their respective school districts are asking for approval of supplemental tax levies.

Most election watchers suspect the voter turnout will be small because there has been little publicity on these important off-year elections with only one question on the ballot. The election involves only the residents of the Carmel, Sheridan and Westfield school districts in this county.

Realistically, there is little choice but to vote “yes” if citizens wish to maintain the present quality of their schools. This is because, in most cases, voters approved local supplemental funding in past elections, and a “no” vote on May 2 would terminate these previous levies. The result would likely mean larger class sizes and other negative consequences.

The use of the referendum can be a slippery slope toward dependence on this method of financing. But, many Indiana school districts have already embarked on it. Starting nearly a decade ago, the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation saying that any school district which felt a need to raise more money than was provided by tax rates at that time could ask their voters to approve higher rates by referendum.

The “catch” is that such approval must be reconsidered by voters every seven years in order to continue the added tax. And, in that seventh year, renewal process there is provision for a school district to seek to increase or decrease the rate, which some districts have opted to do. Westfield, for example, wants about 20 cents more per $100 of assessed valuation in order to finance improvements in its buildings.

Many voters who have not paid close attention, find the process hard to understand. But school officials understandably say approval is needed if their schools are to continue to meet the needs in our growing communities.

The average homeowner in Sheridan and Carmel school districts will see little difference in their tax bill upon approval of the referendum. This is part of the reason a low voter turnout is expected, but if the referendum vote goes “no” they will likely see a reduction in what their schools have to offer.

Best bet is to understand the question and plan to vote. Early voting, just like in every election, is available at the County Judicial Center until noon the day prior to election. Then, polls will be open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 2.