Click here to view text of the resolution

At a special meeting today, the School Board passed a revised resolution opposing a 1-percent tax cap referendum that will appear on the ballot this November.

The board initially considered the resolution at their regular meeting Sept. 14, but tabled consideration to allow some of the wording to be revised.

The adopted resolution refers to the "Property Tax Cap Referendum, (Commonly referred to as the Palesky Tax Cap Initiative)," rather than the "Palesky Tax Cap Initiative," as was originally proposed.

The board also changed its description of the impact of the tax cap from "devastate" to " 'have a significant negative impact' on the quality of the Cape Elizabeth schools and municipal services."

A third change was the deletion of reference to $530 million in losses to municipalities. There was consensus among the board earlier this month that the Cape Elizabeth resolution should limit its concern to the tax cap's impact on Cape Elizabeth.

Previous story:

• School Board looks to fine-tune resolution opposing tax cap (09/15/04)

Here is the text of the School Board resolution, passed 7-0 on Sept. 20:

RESOLUTION REGARDING
THE PROPERTY TAX CAP REFERENDUM
(Commonly referred to as the Palesky Tax Cap Initiative)

TITLE: RESOLVE, TO DECLARE THE INTENT OF THE CAPE ELIZABETH SCHOOL BOARD TO OPPOSE PASSAGE OF THE PROPERTY TAX CAP REFERENDUM

WHEREAS, the quality of Maine's public schools is essential to the future of our young people and the growth of the Maine economy; and

WHEREAS, Maine voters have passed Question 1 which will increase the State's share of the cost of education and provide property tax relief to local taxpayers; and,

WHEREAS, by the realistic estimate of the Cape Elizabeth Tax Cap Task Force, the local budget would be reduced by $4.45 million of which $3.17 million is the effect on the local school budget; and

WHEREAS, this initiative requires only a simple majority vote to pass but a two-thirds majority vote to subsequently change; and

WHEREAS, there is no option for local control or a local override; and

WHEREAS, this sudden loss of revenues will have significant negative impact on the quality of the Cape Elizabeth schools and municipal services;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the School Board of Cape Elizabeth hereby records its opposition to the passage of the Property Tax Cap Referendum, out of concern for the quality of our schools and the future of our children.

RESOLVED this day: September 20 , 2004