Impartial Analysis of Measure M
Jason Heath, County Counsel
By: Ruby Márquez, Assistant County Counsel
Under the California Constitution, school districts may issue bonds if approved by at least 55 percent of voters within the boundaries of that district. These bonds are sold to the public and constitute a debt of the district. They are repaid by the levy of an ad valorem tax, which is calculated based on the current assessed value of each property.
The Board of Trustees of the Aromas-San Juan Unified School District (“the School District”) proposes the re-authorization of bonds in the amount not to exceed $4.2 million dollars. The School District anticipates that these bonds would generate approximately $455,000 annually.
The boundaries of the School District extend across three county lines: San Benito, Santa Cruz, and Monterey Counties.
Previously, in the November 2010 election, voters of this School District approved Measure “Z” which authorized the sale of $9.7 million in bonds. However, the School District has not issued $4.2 million of these bonds. Under this proposed measure, the School District would cancel a portion of these unused Measure Z bonds and re-issue new bonds in an equal principal amount to the cancelled bonds. The total amount of these actions shall not exceed the $9.7 million in bonds originally authorized by voters in 2010.
As limited by law, the funds from the sale of these bonds shall only be used for specific purposes related to school facilities, buildings, and classrooms. The law does not allow these funds to be used for teacher and administrator salaries or other school operational expenses.
The School District has submitted a specific Project List within the full body of the measure. The types of projects funded may include, but are not limited to:
- School Renovation, Repair and Upgrade Projects
- School Site, Health and Safety Projects
As required by law, the School District must follow certain accountability provisions to oversee the funds collected and expended, including the establishment of an independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee and the annual completion of Performance and Financial Audits.
At the time of filing, the School District has provided the best estimate of the highest tax rate to be levied at approximately $45.10 per $100,000 of assessed property value per year, if the measure passes by a 55% of voters collectively across the three counties. It is anticipated that the average annual tax would be collected through 2030-31
Measure M was placed on the ballot by the Aromas – San Juan Unified School District.
A “yes” vote on Measure M is a vote to re-authorize the issuance of bonds in the amount of $4.2 million to be financed by the levy of an ad valorem tax on property in the District.
A “no” vote on Measure M is a vote against the re-issuance of the proposed bonds.