Measure R: Measure R : Westmorland Union Elementary School District Bond Measure

In plain language

Measure R would let the Westmorland Union Elementary School District borrow money. It would do this by selling $2,800,000 in bonds. A YES vote approves the bonds. The money would improve athletic facilities and repair restrooms. It would upgrade old heating, ventilation, and electrical systems. It would repair or build classrooms and other sites. A NO vote means the district does not borrow this money for these projects. The district says none of the money can pay salaries. Property owners would repay the bonds through a property tax.

Fiscal impact

The tax rate is about $25 per $100,000 of assessed property value. It would raise about $218,799 each year while the bonds are outstanding.

Impartial analysis

This measure was placed on the ballot by the governing board of Westmorland Union Elementary School District (“District”). This measure, if approved by 55% of votes cast on the measure, will authorize the District to issue and sell up to $2,800,000 in general obligations bonds. The sale of these bonds by the District represents a debt of the District. The District proposes to issue bonded indebtedness for the purpose of constructing/renovating classrooms and support facilities; constructing, improving and equipping athletic facilities, including a gymnasium for school and community use; upgrade outdated heating, ventilation, and electrical systems; acquiring or replacing portable classrooms; improving or renovating restrooms; upgrading and repairing sidewalks and parking lots to improve student safety; and making health, safety and handicap accessibility improvements. Proceeds from the sale of the bonds authorized by this measure can only be used for the stated purpose. The California Constitution provides that proceeds of school district bond measures cannot be used for teacher or administrator salaries or other operating expenses. If at least 55% of the votes cast vote in favor of the measure, the District will be authorized to incur debt by issuing general obligation bonds to provide financing for projects listed in Measure R. The maximum principal amount of the proposed bonds is not to exceed $2,800,000. The District’s stated best estimate in its tax rate statement of the average annual tax rate required to fund the bonds is $2 5 per $100,000 of assessed value. The final fiscal year in which the tax is anticipated to be collected is fiscal year 205 6-2057. The best estimate of the total debt service, including principal and interest, required to be repaid if all bonds are issued and sold is $6,345,171. The interest rate and maturity date on any bond shall not exceed the maximums allowed by law. If the measure is not approved by at least 55% of the voters of the District who vote on the measure, the measure will fail and the bonds will not be issued. An independent Citizens’ Oversight Committee will actively review expenditure of bond revenues. An independent financial audit of the proceeds and an independent performance audit of the specific projects will be performed annually. An annual report will be prepared, indicating the amount of funds collected and expended, and the status of any projects listed in the measure. A “yes” vote is a vote to authorize the issuance and sale of the general obligation bonds in an amount not-to-exceed the principal amount $2,800,000. A “no” vote is a vote not to authorize the District to issue and sell said bonds. The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure R. If you desire a complete copy of the measure, please call the Election Official’s Office at [phone number omitted] and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.

Official ballot arguments

Filed for the official voter guide by each side, printed as submitted.

The official arguments will appear here once both sides’ arguments are on file.