Many can’t afford tax measure for Arlington middle school

The Arlington School District is again seeking voter approval of $95 million in bonds to replace Post Middle School. According to the “Argument Against” in the voters’ pamphlet, the actual cost is tens of millions higher when interest is added in.

If you are like us, your property assessment, on which this levy will be based, has increased by nearly 50 percent since 2019 and property taxes have greatly increased as a result.

If you are also a long-time Arlington resident, this will be the second 20-plus year tax commitment you are being asked to make.

Unlike the levies, Prop. 3 only states that the annual cost will be “approximately $0.74 per $1,000” of assessed values. But Section 4 of Resolution #23-14 states that annual property tax levies shall be made “without limitation as to rate or amount.” Is that a risk worth taking over 21 years?

I remember that when voters previously approved the high school bond while rejecting the athletics bond, the district still built the field instead of using the excess funds to reduce voters’ taxes (as Section 6 allows).

Please vote no on the Arlington School Bond, Prop. 3.

Joseph Amma

Arlington