To the editor:
Let me begin by expressing my deep admiration for the students and teachers of the district. As a lifelong supporter of public education, and a former school board member myself, I am in favor of safety, security, ADA compliance, and infrastructure. However, I strongly oppose this bond [ballot measure 4C] as the funding source.
Why does ballot bond language never start, “may we raise your property taxes…?”
Stewardship: “careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.” Unfortunately, the administration and board have neglected certain projects and have chosen to defer maintenance that now urgently require attention.
The taxpayers of MSSD14 have shown remarkable generosity by passing three increases in their property taxes (mill levy overrides) in 2006, 2015, and 2018. The ballot language clearly stated that some of the revenue generated from these taxes would be used to “maintain and upgrade district buildings, equipment, and grounds.” As a result, property taxpayers in D14 currently pay the second-highest mill levy in the county and will become the highest if this bond passes.
The enrollment has been declining since the 2018 school year from 1,495 to 1,102, representing a 26% decrease over the past 7 years and a 10% decrease in the last two years. Yet, the cost of educating a student in the district has risen significantly, from $13,074 in 2020/2021 to $18,925 in 2023/2024 school year; exceeding Cheyenne Mountain D12 by 37% and Academy D20 by 53%. A substantial portion of this increase, 61%, can be attributed to operations expenses including administrative overhead.
When I inquired about the bids and scope of the proposed projects, the district responded that “bids would be obtained if the bond passed” These cost “estimates” were provided by the same “industry experts” who initially proposed bonds totaling $138,200,000. The ballot language, which includes $37,600,000 ($73,530,000 over 25 years), includes some projects that are not essential safety, access or infrastructure such as video scoreboards, air conditioning, and athletic fields that simply need routine maintenance. These added costs significantly increase the total unvetted expenses. The 30% contingency was advised by “industry experts.”
The assessor’s office confirmed that all property taxes in Manitou Springs will increase in 2026, regardless of the bond passing, due to State Senate bill reductions which will result in a property tax increase of over 15%. If the bond passes, an added 11.98 mills will increase property taxes by at least another 20%. Since 80% of district senior administration and over half of the bond steering committee do not live in the district and will not take part in the tax increase.
A recent article in The Gazette noted that the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta estimates the monthly payment on a newly purchased home as a share of median income; figures from April show about 46% of median income in the Pikes Peak region goes toward paying mortgage, interest, taxes, home insurance and mortgage insurance. The taxpayers of District 14, including over 40% who are “civilian unemployed or not in the labor force,” are also striving to be responsible stewards of their limited resources.
Estimated increases based on averages from the assessor website on Oct. 13:
Residential ($587,020) – $496 increase/year x 25-year bond = $12,390
Commercial ($609,687) – $1,971 increase/year x 25 years = $49,282
And this is why, while I support our schools, I can’t support ballot measure 4C.
Jack Sharon
