For the sake of schools, vote for Proposition 15

How ironic to find an ad against Proposition 15 attached to Saturday’s article on Measure F in the Lost Coast

Outpost. Proposition 15, IF passed will provide money to communities for exactly the kind of need now requiring yet another Bond Issue for the Arcata Fire Department. It can also reduce the need for Bond issues and assessments, which often fail in elections.

Money from the Local Schools and Community College Property Tax Fund, set up by Proposition 15, will be distributed to counties to use for schools (40%) and community 60%) needs. It does not go into the State General Fund.

The ad itself is misleading and untrue in stating that property taxes will increase on agricultural land. The truth is stated in the proposition’s text: agricultural land, including timberland, is specifically EXEMPTED! So is residential property including rentals, dedicated open space, parks, and refuges, among other exclusions.

Taxes will be reassessed at current fair market value only on commercial and industrial properties worth over $3,000,000. It will effect about 8% of large holdings, which now pay property taxes set by value at “time of purchase,” many of them years ago. IF Proposition 15 passes those properties will now pay property taxes at current fair market value — just like the rest of us!

For the sake of school and community needs, please vote YES on Proposition 15!

Margaret Dickinson, Eureka