We have terrific news – the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce is in support of the Klamath County School District bond measure! After hearing for and against arguments for the school bond measure and taking a member survey, the Chamber of Commerce put out a press release to “take a public stance supporting the funding effort as important for local economic development and business recruitment efforts.”
You can read the full press release on the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce’s press release page. We have also provided the text below:
The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted, in its February General Board meeting, to publicly endorse the Klamath County School Districts $31 million bond levy on the May 2013 ballot.
Following a member survey and presentations from both sides of the issue the board voted to take a public stance supporting the funding effort as important for local economic development and business recruitment efforts.
“The Chamber membership responded with nearly 80% yes in favor of an endorsement when asked in a recent survey,” said Executive Director Charles Massie, “and the number one reason stated was community economic development.”
The measure asks voters to approve a $31 million general obligation bond levy on the May 21, 2013 ballot. The bond levy is a 20-year capital improvement levy that will equate to a tax rate of approximately 53 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. Proceeds will be used for the construction of a new Henley Elementary School, repairs and renovation on other KCSD schools including critical repairs on roofs, windows and heating systems.
The Chamber board recognized that any tax measure is likely to meet with a mixed reaction from voters, many of whom are concerned with the state of the economy in our region, as well as impacts to senior citizens and family farmers. But, the fact that this bond measure is restricted to construction and renovation projects means all the revenue from the bond will generate business activity in the Basin, with the economic impact likely to be multiplied as contractors and vendors carry out the work of improving our school facilities.
Additionally, well-maintained schools are essential to upholding the image and livability of all our communities, which in turn sustains a robust business environment and healthy market for housing and property sales.
Stan Gilbert, Chamber President, said, “Schools and education are a number one priority for community economic health, growth and vitality. It is one of the first questions people ask when inquiring about the community and one of the first places they visit when considering a move to Klamath County. We need to support local solutions to this issue.”
The Klamath County Chamber of Commerce has served Klamath County since 1905. It is a member-based association made up of businesses and individuals who work together to advance the civic, economic, industrial, professional, and cultural life of Klamath County and the City of Klamath Falls, through advocacy and broad communication connections. Membership is available to businesses, organizations (including non-profits) and individuals. If you are interested in learning more about the Chamber, call (541) 884-5193 or visit the website www.klamath.org.
Before closing, we’d like to thank the Klamath County Chamber of Commerce for supporting Klamath County schools. By investing in our schools, we’re investing in our future, and it’s wonderful to see the business community voicing their support for this investment. And if you’d like to add your voice or support, please see how you can help.
