Bond an option to preserve schools

The biggest problem with the continuation bond question isn't the amount of money that's being asked for or the tax rate, which won't change if it's approved.

The biggest problem is that the state penalizes local governments for being debt free.

It has been 16 years since Douglas County voters approved a bond to build Pau-Wa-Lu Middle School, Minden and Pinon Hills elementary schools and expand Douglas High School.

As bonds go, it was a rousing success. In about two years, that bond will be paid off and the Douglas County School District will be debt free for the first time in 30 years.

That should be cause for celebration, with a mortgage burning party and all the trimmings.

But it isn't.

That's because the state provides a debt service tax rate for those districts with outstanding bond payments.

The money that was coming to the district from that source goes to maintain the district's facilities. But when the district is debt free, suddenly that source of money dries up.

Meanwhile that dime per $100 assessed valuation will be fair game for whatever district acts first to raise taxes. Any tax break that might come from having the school bond paid off will disappear down another government's maw.

We would prefer state law was altered so that governments who are careful with their debt are rewarded, not penalized.

But barring an act of the Legislature, a bond of some sort seems the best way to make sure taxpayers' investment in our school buildings is protected.