Say yes to success and support Fountain Hills Unified
OPINION — It has been less than a month since Councilmember Allen Skillicorn submitted a letter to the editor in which he mischaracterized the proposed continuation of the FHUSD Maintenance and Operations Override as a “tax hike” and suggested “right-sizing” the district by moving the entire student body to the high school campus.
The good news is that Skillicorn’s campaign against the override appears to have gained little traction. In fact, the measure appears to have achieved bi-partisan support, as evidenced by the recent “yes” recommendation made by the conservative Crimson Saguaro PAC.
Yet, on social media Skillicorn persists in attacking the measure as a property tax “hike” supported by “commies” that will “hurt seniors.” To counter this narrative, it is important for those who encounter these posts to respond with the facts.
There will be no meaningful increase in taxpayers’ costs if the override is approved. For a home with the district’s average limited property value of $467,130, the current override costs approximately $78 a year. The cost in 2027 would be roughly the same, subject to changes in property values and the district-wide tax rate.
If the override is defeated, taxpayers would eventually see a reduction as the override phases out. For the average homeowner, however, the eventual annual savings would also be roughly $78 a year – less than the cost of a tank of gas.
During the past five years the FHUSD administration and governing board have proven that innovation and prudent stewardship can produce remarkable results: an A rated district and two nationally recognized schools.
On Nov. 3, we have the opportunity to acknowledge the importance of our schools to the vitality of our town, acknowledge the district’s remarkable achievements and affirm our commitment to supporting that success by voting “yes.”
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