Letter To The Editor – BCS Bond Proposal Ignores Probable State Cutbacks

To the Editor:
The elephant in the room regarding the proposed $19 million bond proposal seemed to be missing in much of the discussion to date, this pecuniary pachyderm being the state budget crisis and the almost certain inability of the state to maintain anything resembling its current aid to local districts, no matter what the state officials say in word or letter.
A Sunday NY Times piece says it succinctly: “…state officials are beginning to reckon with what could be an unprecedented cash crisis. And many say that even if the current deficit is closed, the state is at considerable risk going forward — less able, for instance, to borrow money because of worsening credit ratings and ill prepared for far more severe deficits ahead.” I’d go on to quote the more draconian part of the article, but it’s just too depressing for general audiences.
The Governor and Assembly have already made it clear that one of the two main sources of necessary budget cuts in coming years must be in state aid to local school districts, because, (as they quoted the notorious bank robber Willie Sutton), “that’s where the money is,” citing the reserve funds amassed by local school districts as a potential source to tap to alleviate the crisis, as well as drastic cuts in basic aid.
In light of this almost certain impending sea change in the manner in which local districts are (not) funded, it seems to me there is a probability that even the heretofore untouchable basic Star and Enhanced Star programs are at risk of being affected (I am not referring to the Star rebate program, which has already been canceled), resulting in 40, 50 or even 60 % rise in property taxes. Sound far fetched? Where else will the state get the money to balance a budget that has been savaged by the unprecedented economic condition and fiscal incompetence of both parties for so many years?
Therefore, it seems that any statement of any state or local official that this $19 million bond construction/renovation issue will be partially subsidized by state aid simply cannot be believed, not because the officials are acting in bad faith, but rather because no one, not even the Governor himself, can foresee the consequences of the budget crises as they play out these next few years. Just look at California.
It follows, then, that there is a very good chance that, should the BCD taxpayers approve this bond proposal, they will be left with the full tab. Together with the Star programs being probably savaged, all taxpayers will see horrific rises in local taxes. Compared with a set of renovations that may or may not be necessary, the financial survival of our local citizens comes first. Can we afford to take a chance like this?
Why hasn’t the School Board given us projections of the rise in taxes based on projections of our receiving little or no future state aid for the projects? Would this not be the prudent and honest thing to do?
On this issue alone, in such financially extraordinary circumstances which unfortunately trump all other considerations, I will vote no on the bond issue.
Barton McLean
Petersburgh