Support Measure Q - the 2008 school bond in Scotts Valley, California

A parcel tax requires 2/3 voter and commonly involves an equal assessment against all parcels regardless of the parcel value. Because certain classes of parcel owners are typically exempted from parcel taxes, there are only an estimated 5800 parcels in the District (out of a total exceeding 7300) that would participate, placing a much higher tax burden on lower valued properties whose owners do not qualify for an exemption. Because of the high electoral threshold and this tax burden shift, the likelihood of passage is considerably reduced.  Parcel taxes are rarely used to support facility construction, but instead are usually intended to create a revenue stream for running specific programs. Considering ongoing State budget difficulties, financial advisors have noted a risk that the legislature could cut State funding to districts that have demonstrated an ability and willingness to pass local Parcel Tax measures for educational programs. Since Scotts Valley Unified School District is already severely underfunded by the State relative to other Districts, this risk is something to seriously consider.