Independence residents call for more accountability after property tax increase
By Anne Scheck
Trammart News Service , Nov. 3, 2023
“Get real.”
That was the reaction of Al Cleveland, longtime resident of Independence, when he opened his property tax bill last week. It had increased more than eight percent compared with last year’s statement.
Cleveland is far from alone. Like many others across town, he’s concerned. He said he’d like to see the agencies his tax bill supports learn to live within their means -- higher taxes make it harder for those who pay them to do that.
From a hangar at the Independence State Airport where local airpark homeowners gather for coffee many mornings to the tables at the Ovenbird Bakery on Main Street, the recent talk of the town has been this year’s tax bill.
“It was an overall tax increase of approximately $800,” commented Jerry Pryce, who lives in north Independence. “The property assessment was up three percent, but the educational portion boosted the bulk of the tax bill,” he pointed out.
Pryce is correct about the underlying reason that many saw their taxes rise – a fact uncovered by his neighbor Andy Duncan. Duncan, who made a trip to the Polk County Courthouse to get a jump on his tax bill this year, was stunned to see that – due to educational assessments – it had leapt higher than he’d ever seen it.
The charges are assigned at a rate per $1,000 of assessed home value. There’s about $1.30 in a new addition on the school-bond payment; a public-safety levy to fund upgrades in Polk Fire District No. 1 has been passed by voters, but the increase won't take effect until next year. Duncan reported his findings by email to fellow residents – and the news traveled swiftly. At the Ovenbird Bakery, reactions ranged from shoulder shrugs of resignation to expressions of distress, which seemed consistent with the view in other parts of Independence.
Vincent Homer, who stopped in at the EAA Hangar last week -- a popular spot for local aviation enthusiasts -- was dismayed about the “biggest chunk,” which he attributed to school bonds. If the taxpayers are going to pay more for schools on their property taxes, they deserve to see better results in their educational system, he asserted.
If that sounds like the kind of complaint that could be expected during tax season, it seems to have a broader implication this year: another bond to pay for upgrades at schools in Central School District 13J is being considered, with a possible campaign launch in the next several months. And, in Independence, bonds repeatedly have been mentioned as a potential revenue source during city council sessions -- City Manager Kenna West referenced a list of 21 public works projects at the last meeting.
Over lunch at The Grain Station, Nan Willis, a former public-school principal, said the idea of any new bond is unlikely to be met with much support, given the current economic climate. “I can tell you I would pound the pavement myself against any that would impact my tax bill,” she said.
Multiple attempts seeking a response from Independence city administration to the current tax situation have gone unanswered by the communications coordinator for Independence, Emmanuel Goicochea. In the past, Goicochea has stated his role determines which press inquiries receive comment.
However, communications personnel at both CSD 13J and the City of Monmouth have issued responses – and both are providing public outreach.
The school district had been getting calls, confirmed Emily Mentzer, communications coordinator for Central School District 13J, which serves both Monmouth and Independence. “I hope this helps let people know why they are seeing an increase,” she said.
There are two “line items” on property tax bills, she explained -- Central School District 13J and CSD 13J bonds. The first item is the part local property taxpayers contribute to cover expenses in classrooms and support services, which makes up less than 20% of the district’s general operating budget. That rate is the same every year, “so increases are due to changes in assessed property value by the county,” Mentzer said.
The second item is to pay off bond debt that was incurred when the community voted to make large investments, like seismic improvements at buildings, as well as by building Ash Creek Elementary School, and adding the sixth-grade wing at Talmadge Middle School.
This year, some of the debt from the bonds that built Ash Creek Elementary and the remodel of Talmadge Middle School’s sixth grade wing increased the levy amount on property taxpayers in the district for the 2023-2024 year.
“This strategy will reduce interest payments and decrease the overall obligation of the district in future years,” she said. “This is not unlike reducing your interest by paying down the principal on a car or home loan,” Mentzer said.
Payments on the 2008 bond that resulted in a complete remodel and addition at Central High School have been paused but will resume in 2028, she added. That bond is scheduled to be paid off in 2038.
In Monmouth, a special message, often referred to as the “Mayor’s Note,” which is included in utility bills, will address property taxes, said Sabra Jewell, the city’s communications coordinator. Also, Mayor Cec Koontz, along with Monmouth Finance Director Susie Marston, is holding a “coffee chat” for residents in early November to talk about the issue. It is scheduled for Nov. 9 at 9 am at the Monmouth Community Senior Center.
In Independence, some residents have expressed appreciation for Duncan’s outspoken analysis of taxation. Independence has a tax rate of 19.1332 -- the highest in Polk County, exceeding that of neighboring Monmouth’s at 18.2184. The tax rate represents a number that reflects the amount of taxing districts. Independence has one more than Monmouth does, affirmed Polk County Tax Assessor Valerie Patoine.
In fact, Independence also has the highest “ad valorem” tax of any city in Polk County, excluding the West Salem area. The ad valorem tax rate, 4.5897, was set years ago and is the permanent rate for Independence’s taxing district. Monmouth's ad valorem is 3.6107.
Additionally, of the three dozen counties in Oregon, Polk County is among the top 10 in terms of homeowner taxation, according to an analysis five years ago by the Oregonian. And that status seems unlikely to change. Oregon has undergone tax reforms that limit the amount taxpayers can be required to pay.
Measure 50 tied tax bills to 1995 property values, capping those increases to three percent a year.Measure 50, passed in 1997, cut taxes and established permanent tax rates, like the “ad valorem” for cities. The limits have succeeded in curbing taxes, but reportedly have made it more difficult to raise revenue for cities, which often turn to bond levies. (Trammart News & Publishing is solely responsible for the content provided.) ▪
Gophers in the north part of Independence are an annual pest every fall
By Anne Scheck
Trammart News Service , Nov. 3, 2023
The nature changes of autumn have brought more than the crimson and gold leaf colors. This year, mounds of dirt like little volcanoes all around the Independence Airpark show that a gopher population continues to grow north of town.
No one knows what the precise numbers are, but resident Lynn McDonald has been the go-to gopher guy for the airpark for the past 25 years. After the young are born, usually in spring and early summer, they are kicked out of the nest to go find new homes. Because the airpark community has acres of land around taxiways, they have made the underground territory their habitat, he said.
Walkers at the airpark who may need to cross unpaved areas keep on the lookout for them. The trademark tiny hills show where they have been at work, one explained, noting that they are almost never seen. Considered a potential trip-and-fall hazard, the tunnels also can weaken the ground.
Unlike nutria, the brown rodents often seen by creek beds, gophers really dislike water so pouring some down their hole can make them move, explained Ed Matteo, a longtime member of the Ash Creek Water Control District who has been trapping nutria for years.
For years, the “gopher problem” has appeared on the agenda of meetings of the Independence Airpark Homeowners Association. So far, a severe eradication effort hasn’t been seen as necessary. One theory is that, by the time a wet winter passes, the rain has proven to be a natural population control.
“This new life is very challenging for young gophers,” observed wildlife biologist Kim Flotlin, in a report describing the situation for the animals in the Pacific Northwest. Flotlin, who works for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, noted that the “decisions, skills and sheer luck” of the young venturing out oo their own every fall can mean “the difference between life and death.” So far, gopher numbers seem to diminish in the terrain at the airpark by the time February rolls around.
But they can do real devastation to gardens and vegetation, said McDonald, observing they like bulbs and roots. “Plus, you really have to look out for those mounds when you mow the yard if you don’t know they’re there.” ▪
Can Kids Be Banned Forever from the Movies?
IN ACTUALITY
By Anne Scheck
Trammart News Service , Nov. 3, 2023
An editorial column to assist public knowledge and discourse on recent events.
WHO: A group of youth who attended a showing of the newest “Exorcist” film, a sequel to the original, at the Independence Cinema.
WHAT: They appeared to be without an adult. Explanations between the involved parties vary, but this much is not in dispute: The youth were asked to leave the showing.
WHERE: An exchange of words apparently took place on site.
WHEN: A recent Tuesday, at the discount matinee.
WHY: It is alleged by the theater manager that there was no parent or adult with the youth for the actual movie, a violation of policy.
HOW: The disagreement developed apparently over several factors: One was that an adult did return to the movie theater, after running an errand; the other is that a request was denied for money to be returned since there would be no viewing of the movie. An argument allegedly ensued between the parties.
In following up, Trammart News spoke to both the adult involved, Kelcie Patrick, who said she was upset by the treatment she received, and the manager of the theater, Chance Prudhomme.
The incident involved a conflict with a movie theater that is like many across the country that has been reported as on the increase -- and in some places, incurring community backlash.
In response to an inquiry by Trammart News, Prestige Theatres issued a statement saying they were adhering to regulations by the Motion Picture Association. "We have taken our commitment to following MPA regulations very seriously," the statement said.
The specific issue of unaccompanied minors attending R-rated movies is clear, according to MPA rules: Children under 17 are not allowed to watch R-rated movies without a parent or adult guardian present.
One unanswered question is whether the youths are permanently banned, which can occur under some circumstances. However, a substantial number of entertainment venues in local situations reportedly choose not to take this action, in order to preserve a good customer relationship with the community. ▪
By Anne Scheck
Trammart News Service , Nov. 3, 2023
“Get real.”
That was the reaction of Al Cleveland, longtime resident of Independence, when he opened his property tax bill last week. It had increased more than eight percent compared with last year’s statement.
Cleveland is far from alone. Like many others across town, he’s concerned. He said he’d like to see the agencies his tax bill supports learn to live within their means -- higher taxes make it harder for those who pay them to do that.
From a hangar at the Independence State Airport where local airpark homeowners gather for coffee many mornings to the tables at the Ovenbird Bakery on Main Street, the recent talk of the town has been this year’s tax bill.
“It was an overall tax increase of approximately $800,” commented Jerry Pryce, who lives in north Independence. “The property assessment was up three percent, but the educational portion boosted the bulk of the tax bill,” he pointed out.
Pryce is correct about the underlying reason that many saw their taxes rise – a fact uncovered by his neighbor Andy Duncan. Duncan, who made a trip to the Polk County Courthouse to get a jump on his tax bill this year, was stunned to see that – due to educational assessments – it had leapt higher than he’d ever seen it.
The charges are assigned at a rate per $1,000 of assessed home value. There’s about $1.30 in a new addition on the school-bond payment; a public-safety levy to fund upgrades in Polk Fire District No. 1 has been passed by voters, but the increase won't take effect until next year. Duncan reported his findings by email to fellow residents – and the news traveled swiftly. At the Ovenbird Bakery, reactions ranged from shoulder shrugs of resignation to expressions of distress, which seemed consistent with the view in other parts of Independence.
Vincent Homer, who stopped in at the EAA Hangar last week -- a popular spot for local aviation enthusiasts -- was dismayed about the “biggest chunk,” which he attributed to school bonds. If the taxpayers are going to pay more for schools on their property taxes, they deserve to see better results in their educational system, he asserted.
If that sounds like the kind of complaint that could be expected during tax season, it seems to have a broader implication this year: another bond to pay for upgrades at schools in Central School District 13J is being considered, with a possible campaign launch in the next several months. And, in Independence, bonds repeatedly have been mentioned as a potential revenue source during city council sessions -- City Manager Kenna West referenced a list of 21 public works projects at the last meeting.
Over lunch at The Grain Station, Nan Willis, a former public-school principal, said the idea of any new bond is unlikely to be met with much support, given the current economic climate. “I can tell you I would pound the pavement myself against any that would impact my tax bill,” she said.
Multiple attempts seeking a response from Independence city administration to the current tax situation have gone unanswered by the communications coordinator for Independence, Emmanuel Goicochea. In the past, Goicochea has stated his role determines which press inquiries receive comment.
However, communications personnel at both CSD 13J and the City of Monmouth have issued responses – and both are providing public outreach.
The school district had been getting calls, confirmed Emily Mentzer, communications coordinator for Central School District 13J, which serves both Monmouth and Independence. “I hope this helps let people know why they are seeing an increase,” she said.
There are two “line items” on property tax bills, she explained -- Central School District 13J and CSD 13J bonds. The first item is the part local property taxpayers contribute to cover expenses in classrooms and support services, which makes up less than 20% of the district’s general operating budget. That rate is the same every year, “so increases are due to changes in assessed property value by the county,” Mentzer said.
The second item is to pay off bond debt that was incurred when the community voted to make large investments, like seismic improvements at buildings, as well as by building Ash Creek Elementary School, and adding the sixth-grade wing at Talmadge Middle School.
This year, some of the debt from the bonds that built Ash Creek Elementary and the remodel of Talmadge Middle School’s sixth grade wing increased the levy amount on property taxpayers in the district for the 2023-2024 year.
“This strategy will reduce interest payments and decrease the overall obligation of the district in future years,” she said. “This is not unlike reducing your interest by paying down the principal on a car or home loan,” Mentzer said.
Payments on the 2008 bond that resulted in a complete remodel and addition at Central High School have been paused but will resume in 2028, she added. That bond is scheduled to be paid off in 2038.
In Monmouth, a special message, often referred to as the “Mayor’s Note,” which is included in utility bills, will address property taxes, said Sabra Jewell, the city’s communications coordinator. Also, Mayor Cec Koontz, along with Monmouth Finance Director Susie Marston, is holding a “coffee chat” for residents in early November to talk about the issue. It is scheduled for Nov. 9 at 9 am at the Monmouth Community Senior Center.
In Independence, some residents have expressed appreciation for Duncan’s outspoken analysis of taxation. Independence has a tax rate of 19.1332 -- the highest in Polk County, exceeding that of neighboring Monmouth’s at 18.2184. The tax rate represents a number that reflects the amount of taxing districts. Independence has one more than Monmouth does, affirmed Polk County Tax Assessor Valerie Patoine.
In fact, Independence also has the highest “ad valorem” tax of any city in Polk County, excluding the West Salem area. The ad valorem tax rate, 4.5897, was set years ago and is the permanent rate for Independence’s taxing district. Monmouth's ad valorem is 3.6107.
Additionally, of the three dozen counties in Oregon, Polk County is among the top 10 in terms of homeowner taxation, according to an analysis five years ago by the Oregonian. And that status seems unlikely to change. Oregon has undergone tax reforms that limit the amount taxpayers can be required to pay.
Measure 50 tied tax bills to 1995 property values, capping those increases to three percent a year.Measure 50, passed in 1997, cut taxes and established permanent tax rates, like the “ad valorem” for cities. The limits have succeeded in curbing taxes, but reportedly have made it more difficult to raise revenue for cities, which often turn to bond levies. (Trammart News & Publishing is solely responsible for the content provided.) ▪
Gophers in the north part of Independence are an annual pest every fall
By Anne Scheck
Trammart News Service , Nov. 3, 2023
The nature changes of autumn have brought more than the crimson and gold leaf colors. This year, mounds of dirt like little volcanoes all around the Independence Airpark show that a gopher population continues to grow north of town.
No one knows what the precise numbers are, but resident Lynn McDonald has been the go-to gopher guy for the airpark for the past 25 years. After the young are born, usually in spring and early summer, they are kicked out of the nest to go find new homes. Because the airpark community has acres of land around taxiways, they have made the underground territory their habitat, he said.
Walkers at the airpark who may need to cross unpaved areas keep on the lookout for them. The trademark tiny hills show where they have been at work, one explained, noting that they are almost never seen. Considered a potential trip-and-fall hazard, the tunnels also can weaken the ground.
Unlike nutria, the brown rodents often seen by creek beds, gophers really dislike water so pouring some down their hole can make them move, explained Ed Matteo, a longtime member of the Ash Creek Water Control District who has been trapping nutria for years.
For years, the “gopher problem” has appeared on the agenda of meetings of the Independence Airpark Homeowners Association. So far, a severe eradication effort hasn’t been seen as necessary. One theory is that, by the time a wet winter passes, the rain has proven to be a natural population control.
“This new life is very challenging for young gophers,” observed wildlife biologist Kim Flotlin, in a report describing the situation for the animals in the Pacific Northwest. Flotlin, who works for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, noted that the “decisions, skills and sheer luck” of the young venturing out oo their own every fall can mean “the difference between life and death.” So far, gopher numbers seem to diminish in the terrain at the airpark by the time February rolls around.
But they can do real devastation to gardens and vegetation, said McDonald, observing they like bulbs and roots. “Plus, you really have to look out for those mounds when you mow the yard if you don’t know they’re there.” ▪
Can Kids Be Banned Forever from the Movies?
IN ACTUALITY
By Anne Scheck
Trammart News Service , Nov. 3, 2023
An editorial column to assist public knowledge and discourse on recent events.
WHO: A group of youth who attended a showing of the newest “Exorcist” film, a sequel to the original, at the Independence Cinema.
WHAT: They appeared to be without an adult. Explanations between the involved parties vary, but this much is not in dispute: The youth were asked to leave the showing.
WHERE: An exchange of words apparently took place on site.
WHEN: A recent Tuesday, at the discount matinee.
WHY: It is alleged by the theater manager that there was no parent or adult with the youth for the actual movie, a violation of policy.
HOW: The disagreement developed apparently over several factors: One was that an adult did return to the movie theater, after running an errand; the other is that a request was denied for money to be returned since there would be no viewing of the movie. An argument allegedly ensued between the parties.
In following up, Trammart News spoke to both the adult involved, Kelcie Patrick, who said she was upset by the treatment she received, and the manager of the theater, Chance Prudhomme.
The incident involved a conflict with a movie theater that is like many across the country that has been reported as on the increase -- and in some places, incurring community backlash.
In response to an inquiry by Trammart News, Prestige Theatres issued a statement saying they were adhering to regulations by the Motion Picture Association. "We have taken our commitment to following MPA regulations very seriously," the statement said.
The specific issue of unaccompanied minors attending R-rated movies is clear, according to MPA rules: Children under 17 are not allowed to watch R-rated movies without a parent or adult guardian present.
One unanswered question is whether the youths are permanently banned, which can occur under some circumstances. However, a substantial number of entertainment venues in local situations reportedly choose not to take this action, in order to preserve a good customer relationship with the community. ▪
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