Councilman, treasurer of ‘No on Y’ concerned with high property taxes

By
Doug Miner
-
52
330

Maplewood Ward 1 Councilman David Cerven, and treasurer of the Vote No On Y committee, spoke with 40 South about his opposition to Proposition Y on Thursday. At the time he said he had other concerns but didn’t have the numbers off the top of his head. He has since sent that, and other thoughts.

Cerven was elected as council member in 2009 and 2013, he told 40 South. He said high property taxes have always been a concern of his.

“I want to make it very clear that high property taxes have been a concern of mine since the first moment I was elected to the Maplewood city council. I (the city council, he explained) has successfully gotten our property taxes lowered five different times,” he said in his email. “This was partially due to the fact that I knew the school district wanted to raise taxes, and we could partially balance that increase. It was important for me to lower the city’s portion of the tax to offset the burden on our citizens for the 67 cent increase in April of 2010.

“I happened to notice in my first year that it was feasible to make the cuts and suggested it as something we could do, and everyone was immediately on board,” he said.

Below are three of Cerven’s the largest concerns. According to Cerven, if this proposition passes:

  1. We will have the highest personal property tax rate in St. Louis County at $6.82. This is 33.6 cents higher than any other district in St. Louis County. (St. Louis County 2015 Rate Book)
  2. We will be tied for the third highest residential property tax rate in St. Louis County at $6.14. (St. Louis County 2015 Rate Book)
  3. Our tax rates will have increased 29.8% in the past 6 years. (St. Louis County 2009 Rate Book)

See also, on the MRH Prop Y:

 

52 COMMENTS

  1. I am personally voting No on Y. I believe with what looks to be, by comparison to other school districts, a more than adequate amount of revenue, that the leadership of this school district should work smarter in order to get good results for the benefit of the children in MRH. It seems like the solution is always threatening us all by what will be cut, hence their solution is more money and raising taxes on the residents. Could it not be that the real problem is that they are not utilizing the operating capital they have in a better way to educate are children, getting more creative and making good things happen with that they have? It seems like they always want the easier solution, more money, more taxes? I was rather amazed in how we compare to other districts. Maybe there is need for a change in the leadership of our school district if they cannot take $28 million in revenue and manage more effectively and efficiently, providing good education for our kids in Maplewood and Richmond Heights. I am all for good public schools, for great public schools, for children getting an education to benefit from their entire life, but, continued tax increases could actually harm our city as well if in the long run we do not demand better results from MRH school district leadership, utilizing the revenue they have to work with.

  3. A few more facts as we all contemplate how we’re going to vote on Tuesday.

    As mentioned, I am leaning yes, but on the fence for this tax hike. Still curious why all the growth is at the ECC and elementary school, but completely absent at the middle school and high school. Here’s a list of the folks who lost their jobs this year – again, courtesy of the MRH communications department.

    Director of Alternative Services – replaced by one of the assistant principals. Not sure why a school of 300 kids needed two assistant principals. Now we just have one.
    Athletic Director
    Seed to Table Coordinator
    Art Teacher
    Instructional Coach
    2nd Grade Teacher
    1/2 time PE Teacher – middle school
    Reading Teacher
    Math Teacher
    ECC Consultant
    Instructional Technology Coordinator
    Custodian
    Food Service Worker
    Building Secretary
    Plus all the costs associated with the elimination of the football program

    I am very sorry for these lost jobs, but I suspect most of these cuts could have been made years ago. Will they be hired back with the new money if Prop Y passes or will the new money be used in other ways?

  4. As a 17 year resident, I have seen many tax increases for this district, and I am kind of tired of throwing money at it. In these 17 years I have also seen that those who seem to support these increases are more often than not parents of young children–hoping the district fixes it’s ills in the upper grades by the time their children get there. But as those kids age, somehow, they disappear. They move or they put their kids in private school. Once they notice the full time officers on campus, the fights and the general aspects of what feels like an inner city school–so different than the progressive ECC & elementary schools –they flee. This district is better than it was when we first moved in, yes, but not improved enough to keep families in the district for the long haul. But to continually throw money at it is not fixing the problems it has in the upper grades. Unless and Until those same families who insist on increasing our tax rates stay put this problem will not go away. I applaud this councilman for his realistic approach. Someone above said they might move to Clayton or Brentwood…well, that is what is what you are going to do anyway. The reality is Clayton is rated 124th in the NATION, Brentwood–proficiency scores in the 80’s and 90’s, MRH? proficiency scores in the 60’s (according to US News) and yet we pay MORE in taxes than both Clayton and Brentwood. Go figure.

    • Barbara, I have to respectfully disagree. I have been here since 1991 and my son is a senior now with many acceptance letters to private, public and out of state universities. I have subbed at MRH High School for the last three years and enjoy the school tremendously. I don’t know what fights you are referring to, as I typically work with very respectful students and have not witnessed fights. I have seen more fights in Kirkwood where I taught then at MRH. Kirkwood has full time police officers as well. That is, unfortunately a sign of society’s ills no matter what school. Referring to MRH High School as characteristics of inner city schools suggests to me that you have not been in the school, nor do you know the many students who are achieving at a high level. I was reminded today while canvassing that two operating levies did not pass, so your statement about every few years is incorrect. This “realistic” councilman did count MRH as one of his clients until things went sour; now the photo-journalism teacher and apprentices have option to take school pictures and/or the families themselves bring in pictures that meet criteria. My home is worth three times what I paid for it in 1991, and I have no intention of moving. I do not have issues with people who disagree and are respectful; I do have a problem when a nurturing and challenging learning setting is characterized so inaccurately and negatively. I have to wonder for what purpose. The annual performance report for MRH was 98.2 and on par with our neighbors.

    • I’m curious to know when you or your kids went to this school. I’m a 44 year resident and graduated from MRH. 25 years ago it wasn’t such a great school. Now my daughter is a Freshman at the high school. She is a 4.0 student, actor, and athlete. If it wasn’t for this district and its teachers and staff doing their jobs, I probably would have left before the even started pre-k If you think this compares to any inner-city school, you have no idea what you’re talking about.
      This isn’t about throwing money at something to fix it. It’s about making room for the family’s moving into the district and keeping the top notch curriculum in place. There were so many children enrolled in the elementary school that they had to put a trailer in the parking lot to accommodate them. I know of only one of the many classmates my daughter has had that moved and it wasn’t due to high taxes. The kids that will be graduating from this school will and already are awesome, bright and outstanding citizens.

  5. Shame on you David! Don’t you have a child in the district? We love living in the area and have 3 kids at MRH. I would hate to think of moving, but we chose MRH because of the progressive programs. If it’s all cut, we will consider Clayton, Kirkwood, or Webster Groves. Support our dynamic schools and amazing teachers. I love living in a community that takes care of its own. Do what’s right for our community and vote yes. Then vote David out!

  6. This is very disappointing that Councilman Cerfern is opposing a needed MRH bond issue. A strong MRH school distrcit is a critical component to the continued success of Maplewood. Housing values are directly tied to the strength and quality education of the school district. Lower taxes are not the golden paniccia of economic growth many people and Councilman Cerfern espouse.

  7. I have always been an automatic “yes” vote on every school tax increase, but this one has me on the fence. I have lived in Maplewood for nine years, and in that time have voted for two school tax increases plus two bond issues. The April 5 vote will be the fifth increase in 10 years, which is an awful lot to ask. Also in that time, I have voted to fully fund firefighter pensions and build a new firehouse – not to mention increases at the library. It’s great to have a library, but I sometimes wonder if a town of 8,000 people can afford the luxury.

    I have looked into the student population growth and it is true. Enrollment at the ECC has doubled in the last 10 years. Enrollment at the elementary school has not doubled, but it has seen a significant spike. But then there’s the middle school and the high school. Enrollment at the middle school has increased by about 20 kids over the last 10 years. Enrollment at the high school has decreased by 20-30 students over 10 years. These figures are courtesy of the MRH communications department.

    So, either the wave hasn’t hit the middle school and high school yet, or parents are taking their kids out of the system and sending them elsewhere when they hit 7th grade or 9th grade. And if the wave is going to hit, we will need to build a new middle school.

    I will likely vote for this increase, but not happily.

      • Harold,
        I urge you to speak with representatives from the MRH school board to ensure you are getting your information from reliable sources. I believe your sources, while not necessarily unreliable, don’t give you the whole picture. If you want to be taken seriously, you need to get all the facts.

        • Beth,
          Are you trying to tell me that Prop K was not to help relieve over crowding in EEC and Elementary Schools.

          I do believe St Louis County public records is a reliable sources. I also believe every one should check things out for them self (as I have) and not just rely on mine or anyone else’s word. Since you think my statements are wrong I would encourage you to look up the dates property was purchased in 2010 and at what cost. Also look up MRH School District tax rates since 2010, I think you will find they have increased every year. That’s the simple facts.

  9. This focus on the tax rate doesn’t tell the whole story. Our tax rate is going to be disproportionately high because of the small size of our district, fewer number of homes in its boundaries, and the relative affordability of homes in MRH. Take a look around at what your house would cost in Clayton or Webster or Brentwood and see dollars to dollars what you would spend in property taxes annually there vs MRH. Then, take a look at how much your house is worth on the fair market and what the assessed value is. Most of us are making out like bandits and our equity is increasing rapidly because Maplewood is no longer MapleHOOD and people want to actually move here for the schools. I bought my house in 2009 and I could sell it today for about $100k more than what I paid. Maybe I should go ahead and do that before we shoot ourselves in the foot with a gun loaded by a city official. If prop Y passes every home owner will continue to see their equity rise and Maplewood will continue on the upswing. If it doesn’t pass, I and many other families will need to reconsider if we stay, and when we are notlonger a destination district you’ll see us slipping back into MapleHOOD.

    • If you can sell your house for a 100K more then you paid in 2009 and did NOTHING to improve it you better sell sell sell. Funny how everyone thinks it’s ONLY the Schools that causes the price of homes to rise or fall. Keep living in that dream world.

      • Harold, what else do you think it is? I’ve lived in RH for nearly 20 years. I student taught in the former Nolan Bruce Elementary. I saw first hand how horrible our schools were. As our schools have improved, our property values have risen. People move here because MRHSD manages to do what few can–deliver quality and diversity at the same time. THE SCHOOLS ARE THE REASON our property is worth more. Other factors are minor.

      • What do you think it is? You’re deluded if you think people are moving here to be close to another Walmart or big-box hardware store. If you can’t acknowledge what the strong school district has done for this town you are clueless.

  10. The highest tax rates in the county– and the worst roads.
    I would recommend that the nice folks at MRH focus on inspiring the kind of passion for learning in the students that doesn’t require million-dollar budgets to sustain– and leave something left for the other important needs in the community.
    This pencil & paper-educated business owner is smart enough to know when enough is enough and will soon be heading elsewhere.

    • Roads are funded by state and federal gasoline taxes which are NOT under the jurisdiction of school boards or even local govt. The schools ARE responsible for preparing young people for careers that involve technology, entrepreneurship, and innovative thinking. School budgets still depend on maintaining quality teachers who are dedicated to are most valuable assets – children.

      • Janice, Big Bend and Hanley are maintained by St Louis County. Manchester is maintained by the State of Missouri. All other streets in the city are maintained by Maplewood with general funds from sales tax and property tax or a bond issue. Quite often these funds are supplemented by Federal Grants. Also, in the event of damage from new construction in an area, the developer of the property can be responsible for repairing/replacing damaged streets.

  11. I have noticed in the past, the more you give the school district, the more they want. It’s never ending. They have not been fiscally responsible in the past. They did not used to get bids on large project, just chose a contractor they had done business with in the past. I hope that has changed. When you mention less of a tax base on which to draw, remember the district bought a dozen homes and tore them down for their parking lot. That is 12 properties to longer on the tax rolls. I’m voting NO as well. If it’s important, they always seem to find a way to come up with the money.

    • Dave – The school district FAQ on Proposition Y details some of the fiscally responsible actions already taken to keep up with operating costs.

      “For the past three years, the Board and administration have been working diligently to ensure every dollar is spent wisely and for the benefit of our students. Expenses at the District level have been reduced to help offset part of the cost increases due to the growing enrollment while maintaining as many programs and staff as possible. Over $1 million in budget cuts have been undertaken in this period. In addition, the current 2015-16 budget includes:

      salary freezes for all employees,
      elimination of two administrator positions,
      leaving open teaching and support staff positions unfilled,
      a reduction in professional development and training for teachers,
      and deferring much-needed maintenance projects at each campus.”

      • Ian,
        Maybe if they hadn’t spent over a MILLION DOLLARS on buying property
        ($800,000.00 of that in 2010 before they even received a penny of the 2010 approved tax increase) for parking lots. They’d wouldn’t have had to make them cuts.

        I am still waiting for an ANSWER as to WHERE THE $800,000.00 came from in 2010. If they had that kind of money to buy property for parking lots they didn’t need the tax increase in 2010. SOMETHING just isn’t RIGHT!!!!!

    • A fact that cannot be overlooked is the bulging classrooms that necessitate more teachers. The need for more is clearly related to address increased enrollment. I am not sure where the notion of fiscal irresponsibility comes from, especially when the board just refinanced a loan, saving 1.5 million dollars in future payments. I realize houses were bought to accommodate a parking lot, one needed to accommodate growing enrollment and minimize parking nightmares. If there was money to be had to maintain buildings, student:teacher ratios, and those activities that facilitate higher learning, I know the board would not be asking for money.

      • Janice,

        The Bond Issue that was just passed was supposed to help relieve over crowding. maybe people are forgetting that part. Planting a garden is NOT HIGHER LEARNING in MY BOOK, sorry.

        • Higher learning is in many forms, but, quite frankly, young families are moving into the area because of the Seed to Table program that is introduced at ECC. I am a retired teacher, and this is one aspect of curriculum that engages all of the students at many levels (high school students recently planted 700 trees in Forest Park in conjunction with Forest Park Forever and as part of their service hours – a component of education that has been implemented for quite some time across public and parochial schools). Science, math, physics, study of weather, English, Art, and so many different curriculums fall under its umbrella. I am sorry you do not see it that way. I would encourage you to go and visit the classrooms at all levels and the teacher/student/curriculum engagement with an open mind. Beyond the Seed to Table issue, however, is an overwhelming need for teachers to provide instruction. The bond issue addressed the space issue; it does not address the teacher:student ratio issue which has a huge impact on student success. I taught for 31 years, and I have had the opportunity to be in districts that preserved teacher :student ratio and those that were unable to maintain that ratio. The difference in those districts in terms of student achievement today is glaring. The difference in the home values is also glaring. Quite frankly, I prefer to substitute in districts like MRH where engagement, teacher/student connection, and respect for authority is palpable; indeed, it reassures me that we have a community of learners who look out for each other, root for each other and respect their varied passions and abilities and challenge each other to do their best. There is a picture of 2015 Homecoming in 40 South News where many families joined together in the courtyard to celebrate, not just the volleyball team, not just the soccer team, not even just to enjoy the talents of the Blue Devil Rhythm and Blues Band while they ate a hot dog, but to celebrate their connection to each other. That is priceless.

        • Really? You see no value in how a garden is teaching children the life cycle of growing things, to use natural items as the backbone of a healthy diet, and how to be good shepherds of the Earth? I am just shocked at the ignorance people will unleash for less than $.50 a day for most homes. That’s really sad.

  12. I believe there is nothing more important than our children’s education. I don’t have children in the district – all grown! I don’t have a high income, however I will always support the school district. I have lived, first in Richmond Heights and now in Maplewood for over 30 years and I have seen the school district go from awful and scary to top notch. As someone said earlier, this is helping our property values go up. It encourages young families to move to Maplewood/Richmond Heights. This is progress and I don’t believe in putting a dollar amount on positive progress, especially where the education of our children are concerned.

  13. It’s a tough decision for me. I want to be supportive of the school district and I don’t want them to cut programs for students, especially in the arts, but it’s a struggle for me to come up with the money for the real estate taxes each year. The increase looks like it will increase my taxes by $150, which makes it that much harder to come up with the money (currently $2500). Give me more time to recover from the recession plus have an increase in income and then I will have a more favorable attitude toward this.

    • Gary, I sincerely appreciate the dilemma you have and your appreciation for the school district. We appear to be in the same range in terms of real estate taxes and its projected increase; I am retired and do not anticipate a huge boost in my income. My son is graduating, and I could forget about the district. However, I have seen this community come alive, as the school district has improved. I have felt the growing sense of comraderie and connection that is a result of more involved and proud parents. Therefore I feel it is my duty to support the district; I happen to trust the board and the decisions they have made. I don’t pretend to know your situation, but I am going to find a way to come up with the money – and vote for those legislators who have ideas to coordinate revenues.

    • The numbers aren’t the same in the high school right now because growth is slow. By the time all of the ECC and elementary students make it to high school, there will be overcrowding. As a 2015 graduate, I have already seen this happening where teachers don’t even have classrooms to themselves at the high school level because the high school has worked hard to ensure small class sizes and a variety of opportunities for different types of classes. We also share a building with middle schoolers. These problems will only get worse when the current ECC kids make it up to the high school.

  14. It is very disturbing that a member of the council would be so ignorant. Mr. Craven, please go on the MRH website and read what will need to be cut in the school district if Prop Y fails to pass. Property tax isn’t everything. The good school district keeps property values strong, so if the school system loses its high merit, your property will lose value. If you don’t want what is best for the area you should not be on the council. Educate yourself.

    • Terry – In 2010, the community approved a bond for capital improvements and an operating levy to increase spending. Part of the Bond was spent on purchasing property around the High School. These were the first increases since 2001 I believe.

      In 2015, the community approved a bond to expand the Early Childhood Center to increase space in both the ECC and reduce overcrowding at the Elementary school.

      Proposition Y in 2016 is essentially the companion to last year’s bond issue, asking for an increase in the Operating expenses to properly staff the district for the increased enrollment.

    • Just for the record, this was not posted by me, Maplewood Library director, and I will be using Terrence from now on. Any posts from Terry Donnelly are not from me.

  16. Tax rates by themselves don’t tell a whole story. While it’s admirable to keep the tax rate down, the true story is that our overall assessed value compared to other districts is less. A recent post by the school district on FB made this clear.

    “MRH has the smallest tax base of any mid-county school district, resulting in the need to have slightly higher rates to generate the same revenue. Because of this difference other districts can tax at a lower rate to get even higher revenues than MRH. This factor is further complicated by the nearly $10,845,900 in property within the District that is subject to TIFs (tax increment financing), for which the District receives little or no tax monies.”

    Assessed value per student in Clayton is $393k. In Brentwood, it is $380k. In MRH it is$219k. Our schools compare well now to our neighbors, thanks to hard work by the district and support from the community. But if you wanted to live in Brentwood instead of MRH, you’d pay quite a bit more for the same size house. That’s great for us, but we have to accept a slightly higher tax rate to get it.

    • Let’s have a great school district, and taxes so high that more and more people can’t afford to live in Maplewood because they are so high. Makes sense to me. I know the board didn’t ask for it but the school district received an increase because with the reassessments last year.

      • Actually, Harold, if you think a school district’s income increases proportionally to increases in tax assessments, you might want to check out the limits imposed under the Hancock Ammendment. School districts are capped regarding these increases and only see a small portion of it. It’s frustrating to see the increase and know it’s not going to schools.

        • TP,
          I didn’t say how much they received from the assessment, but that did. They received some even under the Hancock Amendment. My Total TAX RATE for St Louis Country in 2015 was 8.9096 and of that 5.5869. This means MRH School District accounts for over half 1/2 my TOTAL Real Estate Taxes. lets keep increasing that percentage.

        • Look up what I say, you’ll find my statements to be true. They come from country government web sites. I will say I was mixed up about the Tif and abatement. That came from another person, not what I had looked up myself.

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