There is no more important public service provider in Mequon than the school district. Therefore, I have had a few people question why the top priorities in my literature do not include the schools.
As I explained in my initial mailing:
Most people move here because of great schools, low taxes, low crime rates and a beautiful community with a great quality of life. The Mayor cannot govern or fund schools, but the Mayor can make a big difference when it comes to the rest.
In the very limited way the City can, I have been an advocate for the schools. At one point, I proposed an “intergovernmental cooperation committee” so that representatives of the school district, Mequon and Thiensville would meet to find ways to work together and perhaps share services. I would like to revive that effort. When the school district was considering selling its excess land, I met with it either two or three times to provide options under the zoning code. And, this year, I will ensure the city works with Thiensville to find more proactive ways to provide security and officers for the schools.
I have a great number of school-related supporters, including some current and former board members.
But, won’t my “low taxes” priority harm the schools? Again, the city does not provide school funding. The school district is its own taxing authority. The district is not bound by decisions of the Common Council or the mayor.
My efforts will be to keep the city portion of your tax bill low. The school board will make its own decisions regarding school funding.
When you pay your real estate tax bill, only about 17.1% of your money goes to the city (19.7% if you live outside of the sewer service area). About 44% goes to the school district (50.8% if outside of the sewer service area). The rest is paid to the state, the county, MATC and the sewer utility.
Decisions regarding taxes by the city do not increase or decrease the money available for the school district.