Pass: 6,563 / 56.94% Yes votes ...... 4,964 / 43.06% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

If this measure passes, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors would be required to annually levy a tax upon the property in the District sufficient to pay the principal and interest on any outstanding bonds of the school district as the principal and interest becomes due. This tax would be in addition to the one percent (1%) property tax provided for under current law.

If less than fifty-five percent (55%) of the voters voting on this measure vote yes, the Board of Education of the District will not be authorized to issue and sell the $48,150,000 of bonds set forth in the measure.

Following a successful election, the Board of Education has a limited period of time in which it must set up a citizens’ oversight committee (“Committee”), which is responsible for insuring that the Board of Education spends the money from the bond issue only on the specific school facilities projects listed in the full text of the measure and approved by the Board of Education. The Committee will make at least annual reports to the taxpayers. No District officials or employees may sit on the Committee. No bond funds from this measure may be expended to support the activities of the Committee. In addition, the District would be required to conduct annual financial and performance audits as to the use of the bond funds.

This measure will not have any effect on existing law.

Morongo Unified School District

GreatSchools.Net

Aging facilities at our local schools are in serious need of repair and renovation. Measure “O” will improve student safety at our local schools by repairing and modernizing school buildings and classrooms, replacing and repairing outdated electrical, plumbing, and air ventilation systems.

Measure “O” will accommodate the growing student population by expanding and renovating necessary buildings at all school sites and by developing new state-of-the-art high school facilities.

Measure “O” will also allow the district to become eligible for millions in State Matching Funds. Measure “O” will modernize science classrooms and improve technology at our schools, which our students need in order to excel in college or in their careers.

School conditions have improved and test scores have increased in the district over the past three years; however, there is much more work to be done. Measure “O” will allow us to continue to provide safe and healthy classrooms for our students. Measure “O” will allow us to create the environment for academic excellence that all our students deserve.

Measure “O” is supported by a broad coalition of community members, teachers, business owners, and parents because it will provide the funds necessary to ensure that our school facilities continue to meet the educational needs of our students.

By law, Measure “O” funds cannot be spent on staff salaries or administration. All funds must go toward renovating, repairing, constructing and equipping our school facilities. A Citizens’ Oversight Committee will ensure that Measure “O” funds are used as promised through annual audits.

Support Our Schools. Support Our Students. Please join us in voting Yes on Measure “O”.

Elizabeth H. Meyer
Retired Educator / Former Mayor - City of Twentynine Palms

Jim Thompson
Fire Chief - 29 Palms Fire Department

Jackie Pulliam
Retired Teacher - MUSD

Max C. Hazard
Morongo Unified School District Classroom Teacher

Jack Rarick
Tax Accountant

(No arguments against Measure O were submitted)

(a) The best estimate from official sources of the tax rate that would be required to be levied to fund the bond issue during the first fiscal year after the first sale of the bonds based on assessed valuations available at the time of the election or a projection based on experience within the same jurisdiction or other demonstrable factors is 6.0 cents per $100 ($60.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation.

(b) The best estimate from official sources of the highest tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund the bond issue during the term of the bond issue, based on assessed valuations available at the time of the election or a projection based on experience within the same jurisdiction or other demonstrable factors, is 6.0 cents per $100 ($60.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation. It is estimated that the highest tax rate would apply in the 2006-2007 tax year. The tax rate is estimated to remain the same in each year the bonds are outstanding.

(c) It is anticipated that the bonds will be sold in series. The best estimate from official sources of the tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund the bond issue during the first fiscal year after the last sale of the bonds is 6.0 cents per $100 ($60.00 per $100,000) of assessed valuation. It is estimated that such rate will apply during the 2012-2013 tax year based on assessed valuations available at the time of the election or a projection based on experience within the same jurisdiction or other demonstrable factors.

Voters should note that these estimated tax rates are based on the assessed value of taxable property within the District as shown on the official rolls of San Bernardino County, not on the property=s market value. In addition, taxpayers eligible for a property tax exemption, such as the homeowner=s exemption, will be taxed at a lower effective rate than described above. Certain taxpayers may also be eligible to postpone the payment of taxes. Property owners should consult their own property tax bills and tax advisors to determine their property=s assessed value and any applicable tax exemptions.

Attention of all voters is directed to the fact that these estimates are based on projections derived from information obtained from official sources. The actual tax rates and the years in which they will apply may vary depending on the timing of any bond sales, the amount of bonds sold, and actual increases in assessed valuations. The timing of the bond sales and the amount of bonds sold at any given time will be governed by the needs of the District. Actual future assessed valuation will depend upon the amount and value of taxable property within the District as determined by the San Bernardino County Assessor in the annual assessment and the equalization process.