The Albuquerque Journal has an update for us on the APS Property Tax Increase Vote ABQ Journal Report
Here is what Pastor Mark Grothe posted yesterday on this issue that I will vote NO on. I also posted more on this issue below….
So, let’s talk for a minute everyone.
I’m for better stuff for our children who are still in school. I believe that there is a need to upgrade a lot of the schools at Albuquerque Public Schools. However, when you take this mail-in ballot into account, and look at that they are asking for $6.43 per $1,000 of taxable property value, and according to https://datausa.io/profile/geo/bernalillo-county-nm/, the average property value is $194,200, if this passes, you can expect that the average tax increase for property owner will be about $125.00 per year, for the next 6 years. Some will be more and others will be less. You say that’s not a lot but, average property tax is already a little over $1,800 a year.
Now, let’s take into consideration that the state is over abundant with money’s. Has anyone thought about APS talking to them about the over abundance they have to fund these projects? Are they afraid that the state may audit what they have and reject their request? https://fggam.org/2019/01/how-about-a-tax-cut-for-the-people-of-new-mexico-pot-of-gold-pep-rally-takes-place/
Now, let’s take into account that APS Board Of Directors are paid 6 figure incomes, and they are not in contact with the students. I know that APS superintendent put out an email saying it’s illegal to increase teacher’s and staff’s pay with taxes but, what if they took a little less money in their income? What if what they were paid went to help fund these projects they are looking at? They say they are after all doing what they do for the students right?
Then, let’s talk about the overabundance of vacant properties that APS owns. You do realize that because they are a school district, they are non-taxable, right? In other words, they don’t pay taxes on properties the district owns. They own property that is not being used for anything. Has anyone looked at selling this vacant property to help fund these projects? How are these vacant properties benefiting the students? Never mind the amount of equipment that just sits collecting dust that could either be repurposed or sold for said projects?
Basically, my question is this, who is involved in keeping Albuquerque Public Schools financially responsible for what they are doing? Why are they asking for more money from property owners when they have means to fund these projects themselves?
Ok, this rant is over but, before you vote on this ballot, make sure you are fully informed about what’s going on.
Finally, I do ask you all to pray for those who are in office to make wise decisions in regards to all of this.
Job 12:23-25 (NKJV): He makes nations great, and destroys them; He enlarges nations, and guides them. He takes away the understanding of the chiefs of the people of the earth,
And makes them wander in a pathless wilderness. They grope in the dark without light,
And He makes them stagger like a drunken man.
Psalm 2:10-11 (NKJV) Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, And rejoice with trembling.
Proverbs 2:1-8 (NKJV): My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice, And preserves the way of His saints
Proverbs 11:14 (NKJV): Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
It starts with Our Relationship with Jesus. If you don’t have a Relationship with Him or you need to rekindle that Relationship, do it now. Call out to Him and seek his Love and Forgiveness. It really is as hard or easy as you make it.
We should look to Him daily to seek a relationship with Him. I want to encourage you to seek Him today, if you haven’t already. If you need help, have questions or need direction in this regard, please, feel free to let me know.
Maybe today you are struggling with something. Maybe you may have found yourself not as close to The Lord as you thought. We would like to help you in this through prayer and guidance. If you find yourself in need of prayer and/or encouragement, please, feel free to call or text +1 (505) 600-1027 or email cross66info@gmail.com
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Any scripture referenced here is taken from New King James Version (NKJV) unless otherwise noted
Pastor Dewsey’s Post from Jan. 7th:
I am against this increase in property tax for Albuquerque Public schools. For one, I cannot afford it, also I am tired of the mismanagement by the higher ups and the School Board at APS. APS has suffered badly by poor Superintendents, very bad planning, and very bad maintenance of current facilities. Now they are crying to tax payers for more money. For years I have stated APS is very dysfunctional, I have reported on it for years on radio and on TV and here at FGGAM. I have Dear friends who are teachers who suffer because of this ingrained dysfunction. APS is an “Kingdom of its Own” It needs to be split into two districts at the very least. One of my friends quit and is now teaching in another District.
This is like being asked to award a very poor performance. I have a Dear friend who was on the maintenance staff and he quit because of this dysfunction in his department.
Read this: ABQ JOURNAL PROPERTY TAX REPORT
I received this letter from Janice E. Arnold Jones, a Dear, Dear Friend over the years, having interviewed her many times on KKIM Christian Radio when I was manager and did one of my favorite programs “New Mexico News and Views.” Janice has served us at the Roundhouse and at City Hall. I have always said about Janice, “she knows economics better than most” I believe Janice is spot on with her deep concern about APS and its proposed property tax increase, its just plain awful, she hits the nail right on the head. I am also against this tax increase! I have given APS an F in financial management for years! Here is the letter Janice sent out:
Friends:
I’ll be brief. APS is conducting a mail-in ballot to increase the mil-levy for property taxes by as much as 19% for the next 10 years. APS has the money to advertise and advocate for this tax increase. (Grumble!) The property tax payers have no advocates, unless we step up. The increase is onerous, and unjustified.
Ballots will be mailed out January 8, 2019. Ballots must be returned no later than February 5, 2019. We have about three weeks to defeat this tax increase.
Here are the issues surrounding the property tax increase:
· Capital projects only. No new dollars for teachers or for maintenance.
· Property tax increase will hit property owners, renters … seniors on fixed incomes and teachers will be hit the hardest.
· APS has listed the kinds of projects it wants to do – they currently have the bonding capacity to fund those projects WITHOUT raising the mil-levy on property but they choose to raise it.
· APS is a questionable steward of capital outlay – their construction cost per square foot is set above industry levels. An APS bond was passed two years ago for the “health center”. Where did the money go?
· There is vacant APS property that could be sold or repurposed. (APS has refused to release a list of vacant facilities).
· APS enrollment has dropped by over 10,000 students, yet the amount of square footage of buildings has tripled. Shouldn’t consolidation be considered first?
· Property tax increase not really for “the children”.
If you think APS has overstepped and that this property tax increase is not needed nor appropriate, or you just don’t want a property tax increase, I am asking you to speak up. I am recruiting knowledgeable voters to present on this issue. You will be provided material and consistent talking points along with dates, times and venues for presentations and literature drops.
We have 3 weeks to make a difference.
There are groups of individuals working to defeat this mail-in election. Will you help? Speaking and presentations will begin next week. This is a short-term, but intense effort. The first three weeks of January needs the greatest participation.
If you can help, please reply to this email with your best contact information and your availability in the month of January 2019.
Thank you.
Janice E. Arnold-Jones
505.379.0902
