You may have noticed the "Truth in Taxation" notice in the Mohave Valley Daily News this past week, stating that the district will be raising taxes. The notice, required by law (including the verbiage used) any time a taxing entity plans on raising taxes above what is typically allowed, noted that the district will be taxing for an additional $270,000, which will result in taxes on a $100,000 home to one-time increase by $14.98.
State law allows school districts to collect additional taxes to provide safe access to school buildings, called adjacent ways. The project will include totally replacing Camp Mohave and Mohave Valley Jr. High's existing asphalt, as well provide a seal coat for Fort Mojave and the District Office.
Three years ago the district proposed the same tax to replace the parking lot at Fort Mojave Elementary and the District Office, while providing a protective coat for Camp Mohave and Mohave Valley Jr. High's parking lots. The cost of that project was approximately $500,000, and resulted in taxes raising an average of approximately $42 per home.
Camp Mohave and Mohave Valley Jr. High turn 20 years old this year: If you've parked at either school, you'll know that the existing asphalt has eroded away to the point that most of what's left is the aggregate, which provides a huge liability for trips and falls.
Adjacent Ways taxes can only be used for access to buildings: All "parking" areas must be paid by the district. For this project, the district is paying about 1/3 from it's operating budget, while the tax will pay for 2/3.
Twenty years of high volume use is a pretty good value for your dollar. With any luck, we'll be able to get another 20 years out of our new asphalt!
Questions about the project? Please feel free to contact the district office at (928) 768-2507.