Residents will soon receive mail-in ballots for a special election regarding the 4.1 mil levy tax increase (General Obligation Bond on the ballot) for Silver Schools. A “mil levy” is confusing, but understand that this would be a massive tax increase. Currently, someone owning property valued at $270,000 pays about $1,450 in tax. If this bond passes, the tax increases by $369, to over $1,800, amounting to a 23% tax increase! This is not just a one-time tax, but the new tax rate for every single year. Adding in persistent 9% inflation that has hurt everyone in our community, people are strained to the max.

Residents now pay considerably more for everyday necessities, and if this bond issue passes, they will face another large, unavoidable expense. This tax will, of course, hurt the low income, elderly, and those on fixed incomes the most. People will be forced to sell their homes when faced with a nearly 25% tax hike. It also hurts renters, as landlords will undoubtedly raise rents to cover increased costs.

Increased property taxes will further squeeze already tight housing and rental markets. Residents should also be aware that the original Silver Schools brochure and presentations promoting the bond understated the tax impact by a whopping 66%! After bringing the mistake to the superintendent, Mr. Hawkins agreed that it was incorrect, and promised to change it. I hope residents understand just how unprecedented this tax hike is and the adverse effects it will have on those most vulnerable in our community.

Jarrod Mason

Grant County, NM