School District Considering Parcel Tax to Close Deficit

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In order to close an estimated $6 million budget deficit for the next school year, the will discuss a proposal asking voters for a property parcel tax in November, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

A parcel tax requires the approval of two-thirds of the voters and allows the local government to impose the levy on real estate owners, with exceptions for groups such as senior citizens.

Superintendent Mark Skvarna told the newspaper that if the proposal is adopted by the board, the measure would be put to voters in November. 

If voters approve the measure, property owners would be taxed about $25 a month for a period of three to four years. This could generate revenue of $4 million to close the projected deficit, Svarna told the Tribune.

This week, the board approved in order to cut $3.2 million in expenses. However, the board expects could reduce the need for some if not all of the layoffs.

Several cities around San Gabriel Valley have recently adopted parcel taxes. On Tuesday, Arcadia voters narrowly approved a tax of $228 per parcel annually for five years that will generate an estimated $3.4 million for the .

The Baldwin Park resolution will be discussed at the district board's March 27 meeting.

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