The Bond Tax Assistance Grant
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Dear Gervais School District Residents,
As you start receiving your property tax statements in the mail, please keep in mind that the district has implemented a unique opportunity to assist qualifying families with the increased costs with the Bond Tax Assistance Grant. Below is information from last year’s FAQ on the Tax Assistance Grant. Please stay tuned for updated information soon.
If you have questions, please contact the district office at 503-792-3803.
History/Background
In May 2022, the Gervais School District asked voters to consider a bond to fund capital improvement projects at each of the three school buildings. This bond would have raised property taxes for property owners in the district. The bond measure was defeated and many voters said one reason for voting no was because they could not afford additional increases in property taxes.
Solution
The school board did some research including seeking legal guidance on establishing a first of its kind grant opportunity for property owners and renters.
The district imposes fees for the rental of its facilities by outside groups. Throughout the year, the facilities are rented for activities like a traveling circus and canine training events. Depending on the number of rentals, the district can receive upwards of $10,000 per year, which would be used as a dedicated fund (capped at $10,000) to assist property owners and renters to pay the tax increase incurred with the passage of the bond.
New Bond
The district will be presenting a revised bond proposal to voters in the May 2023 election. This bond proposal is smaller than the one presented a year ago and would ask voters for $1.97 per thousand of assessed value. Based on information from the Marion County Assessor’s office, the average assessed value of property in town is $145,188 which translates to an average property tax increase of $286 per year. Outside the Gervais city limits, the averaged assessed value is $174,178 which translates to an increase of $343 per year.
Who is eligible?
- The program would provide financial assistance to low income individuals and families who experience increased costs related to higher property taxes resulting from the bond passing.
- For purposes of eligibility, low income will be defined by the annual poverty level established by Oregon Department of Human Services as of January prior to consideration for assistance.
- The applicant will be required to provide financial information necessary to establish their eligibility based on income level and either a lease or a property tax statement in their name. Landlords will be required to attest that rent increases were directly tied to their increased property taxes. (Only one application per residence will be accepted).
- Applications will be date and time stamped upon receipt and funded in order of arrival if requests exceed the fund balance. Awards will cover up to $200 per year of increased property taxes or rental increases directly connected to the passage of the bond.
For example: If the applicant’s property had an assessed value of $145,188, the property tax increase would be $286. With a successful application, the applicant could receive a $200 grant leaving $86 for them to pay for the year (or just over $7 a month).
- Applications will be due by March 1 and applicants may apply every year. The committee will meet no later than March 30th annually to process all applications.
- A final decision and communication to applicants will be made no later than the second (2nd) Friday in April.
Who is on the committee and how will my information be protected?
The committee will not have names or addresses made available to them. All personally identifiable information will be redacted and the committee will simply affirm that the application is complete and meets the requirements before granting funds.
The Bond Tax Assistance Grant Committee will consist of:
- Superintendent
- Two (2) local business owners
- Staff member from city
- Two (2) parents
- District business manager
- District legal counsel (ex-officio; advisor to committee)
Committee members will serve a four-year term.
If you have questions, please contact the district office at 503-792-3803.