A few facts about the M&O levy

Let’s behold some truths and facts concerning the M&O levy:

• Our taxes will not be raised — the new levy will replace the one we are currently paying.

• Boundary County is 75% government-owned, meaning there is no tax base for 75% of the land here.

• Our ability to generate monies for our schools and roads through PILT (Payments In Lieu of Taxes), has diminished because of the lack of timber sales from environmental groups opposing them.

• Due to the lack of PILT, we must use taxes from Boundary County citizens to maintain our roads and schools.

• This may not be the way it was where you came from, but that’s the way it is here — you must pay to live in this wonderful place, it’s not free. Outsiders have made it this way, we used to get along very well.

• The people with wrong information or facts opposing levies and bonds add to the cost of every election held, thus taking away from money that could have been better spent elsewhere.

I have said it before and I will say it again — if YOU don’t like the way our schools are funded, then produce a better way, the school district is all ears. If you have a plan that the district can’t impose due to state regulations, go to the state and work with them.

Do not be persuaded by the charter school or home school advocates that say their way is best. Those ways are good, but not for everyone, so put the burden on them to finance their alternative education just like private schools do. Our public schools are open to all to use the facilities and programs even if you choose to educate in other ways through everyone’s tax dollars. Education is important to every community, and the best-educated communities thrive instead of lacking all the time. Vote yes to maintain and improve our education in Boundary County. 

TIM WEST

Boundary County