Opposed to millage
Dear editor:
Every person who pays property taxes in the Hot Springs School District should take the time and effort on May 12, or before by early voting, to vote resoundingly “against” the proposed millage increase. Unfortunately, many of you who pay taxes that will be affected won’t be able to vote, because even if you own a property, commercial or residential, where your taxes will be raised, if your primary residence isn’t inside HSSD, you’re not eligible.
First, for those not in the know, a millage is nothing more than a property tax increase. Sometimes called temporary, they rarely go away.
Second, they are held on nontraditional voting days in the hopes of a low turnout, generally by school districts selling the proverbial “for the kids” campaign. Lake Hamilton snookered residents a couple of years ago with this same sales pitch, to the point where they now pay the highest millage rate in the county.
Third, and at least HSSD Superintendent Joyce Craft was honest about this in Sunday’s article — ( millage increases) are generally about building sports and athletic facilities and complexes. It’s all the rage in Pearcy now after the LHSD campaign.
Shiny new helmets and bright scoreboards don’t make a school district, however, especially not one where — as reported Sunday — “more than 80 percent of students rely on free or reduced meal plans.”
Hot Springs is a proud district I wish nothing but the best for, but if I could vote May 12, it would not be for these priorities. Want new uniforms? Have the kids do a carwash or some type of fundraiser. Want a new gym? Go out in the community and raise the money privately.
Finally, a note of caution to all of those who rent homes and apartments, or lease business space in Hot Springs: Don’t think this election does not apply to you. What do you think your landlords are going to do when their property taxes are raised? What do you think local businesses will have to do with the pricing of consumer goods and services?
It’s a no- brainer — all of the above passed on to those living and working in the city, and some businesses and residents will actually eventually just leave and move into the county That’s a losing proposition for everyone.
Clifton Crook
Pearcy