Fifty percent plus one.
That's that vote tally Alpine School District officials must get Tuesday to gain passage of a $66.9 million bond and leeway proposal to ease growing pains in the 45,000-student district.A $60 million general obligation bond and a $6.9 million leeway would be allocated to build and renovate schools, reduce class sizes, upgrade computer systems, buy books and start literacy programs.
Superintendent Steven C. Baugh said the funding plan is the only way to handle growth. About 51,800 students are expected to enroll in Alpine classes by 2002.
"I'm obviously biased, but if people will come out and vote for the schools, then a lot could be accomplished," he said.
If the entire revenue package curries favor with voters, property taxes would increase $30.50 on a $100,000 house, eventually graduating to $63.50 in three years.
But if only the bond gains passage, then taxes will rise $14 yearly on property valued at $100,000. Impacts of only the leeway on a $100,000 house would be $49.50.
The Utah Taxpayers Association acknowledges a need for the bond but questions the current necessity of the leeway, which has more than three times the impact to residents.