Just imagine paying on eleven school bonds, with more to come. That’s exactly what the Plumas Lake (PL) community is facing on election day. And PL is already the most expensive place to live in Yuba-Sutter Counties. PL residents will see five new (5) local school bonds on their ballots Nov 5. They currently pay for six.
Plumas Lake Elementary School District (PLSESD) wants three (3) bonds (Bonds D, E, F) and Wheatland High School District wants two (2) bonds (Bonds B and C). Voters rejected similar bonds in March 2024, which followed prior attempts by the PLESD in 2008, 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2022.
If the five (5) school bonds pass, homeowners, property owners and farmers will be paying on eleven (11) school bonds for almost 40 years. Every school bond increases property taxes. The State’s School Facility Bond Program (matching funds for bonds) is broke. For a bail-out, the State of California has placed Prop 2 on the ballot. That is a $10 Billion School Construction Bond. If taxpayers say “Yes” they will pay for that bond as well.
A new report from the North State Building Industry Association showed that PL and Yuba County are leading in new home sales in the region. Building has been frenzied with no plan to pay for schools. The bond burden for decades will default to home and landowners.
PL home and property owners already have tax fatigue - high property taxes, a Mello-Roos facilities tax, other assessments and 6 school bonds. The Plumas Lake Specific Plan was approved in 1993 – 31 years ago. The plan was never updated. The Specific Plan states, “Because of the population involved, it is likely that an additional two or three middle schools will need to be developed within the Plan area.
In addition, a need for a total of 12 to 15 elementary schools can be foreseen”. Supervisor Gary Bradford recently elected to a third term has ignored the outdated Specific Plan but staunchly supports the wild development. With no other plan in place, the PL community is under pressure to pay for more bonds. Every acre and every structure will be assessed to pay more.
Proponents of the bonds claim that new schools increase property values. It is likely to have the opposite effect. Many people may purchase homes elsewhere to avoid the high property taxes, 11 bonds plus assessments. Property values may plummet. Some will be taxed out of their homes.
Learning can occur anytime, anywhere, and as a life-long process. The future should not include creating more brick-and-mortar schools. Many districts are closing and selling school buildings as millions flee the state.
Meanwhile, California has a 30% chronic absenteeism problem (30% of students missing at least 18 unexcused days a year). And the majority of attendees cannot perform at grade level in key subjects. If property owners were not forced to pay for government schools and most children forced to attend them, these schools would be closing faster than a bad taco truck.
Parents should have the freedom to choose where and how their children are trained. Parents that choose other forms of education like homeschooling, private schools or online courses, should be able to use taxes paid for their students. Forcing property owners with no students to pay for schools is wrong, as well.
People are better stewards of their money than government. Removing these restrictions will provide families more money and choice for education. California families are financially struggling with the high cost of housing, food, gas, utilities, and insurance. To burden homeowners with extra taxes for schools is wrong. Legislators should remove prevailing wage mandates (originated with Davis – Bacon Act
1931) on school construction. Studies show 25% or more of construction costs could be saved. As Yuba County Supervisors are euphoric while filling their coffers with new fees and property taxes, they are derelict in dumping the costs of development on taxpayers. Vote No on all bonds and tax measures Nov 5.
(Lou Binninger can be heard on No Hostages Radio podcast, live on KMYC 1410AM 10-1 Saturdays, read at Live with Lou on Facebook and at Nohostagesradio.com)
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