Publisher’s Perspective

By Tim Douglass, Publisher of the Pope County Tribune

If there is such a thing as good taxes, local taxes–taxes that atually benefit us and our children–fall into that category.

Sure, for many, all taxes are painted with the same brush.  That’s why we encourage local residents to support the renewal and increase of the tech levy for the Minnewaska Area Schools.

It helps our students and saves parents money on technology devices.  And, it makes Minnewaska Area Schools more competitive, more successful and more of a destination for area students.

In-person election day voting on the tech levy will take place at the Minnewaska Area High School Auditorium from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7.  Many have already voted and you can vote early by visiting the Minnewaska Area School District office.

There will be two questions regarding the tech levy on the ballot–one about renewal (tax neutral) and one about an increase in that levy.  We hope residents will vote “yes” twice.  The minimal impact to most local taxpayers is well worth the added benefits.

If approved to be renewed, the tech levy would continue to provide MAS with $350,000 annually over the next 10 years. If approved for renewal plus increase, this would provide the renewal amount plus an additional $500,000 annually over the next 10 years. This level of funding would enable the district to purchase, upgrade and support a wide range of technology over the next decade, ensuring that students have the tools necessary for success in an increasingly digital world.

The cost to each member of our community would be relatively small. A family living in a $200,000 home would pay $34 per year in taxes towards the levy, which would make an impactful contribution toward our children and their future.

If the tech levy isn’t renewed, MAS will run out of funds from the current tech levy by 2025. Without tech-specific funds available to update and maintain technology throughout MAS, the district would have to pull from general funds usually reserved to pay for teachers, transportation, classroom supplies and other resources. This could result in substantial cuts to these resources and technology across the district over the next decade.  That’s not something we want for the district’s students or parents.

Visit Page 8A of this issue to view a sample ballot and to read the two questions that voters will decide.

    * * * *

The decisive win over the downtrodden Green Bay Packers was bittersweet for most Vikings fans.  It’s always great to beat the Packers if you’re from Minnesota, but Sunday’s win was tainted by the season-ending injury suffered by Vikings Quarterback Kirk Cousins.

The StarTribune headline probably said it best: “The agony of victory.”

In the final minutes of the game, Cousins limped off the field with an apparent torn right Achilles.  If that injury is verified on Monday, it will likely end his season and certainly clouds the Vikings hopes of moving forward and making the playoffs.  Still, other teams have done it.  Look at Quarterback Brock Purdy for the San Francisco 49s.  He stepped in last year after the starter was injured and took the team all the way to the NFC championship.  He was a seventh-rounder taken last in the draft from a tiny school.  So, is Jaren Hall, the Vikings’ late-round quaterback pick, capable of that success.  I guess we’ll see, if he gets the chance.