Voters Weighing $10 Hike in Parcel Tax to Aid Schools

Santa Monica and Malibu voters will decide next month whether to increase the $58 parcel tax to $68. Known as Proposition K, the ballot measure would extend a parcel tax that was first approved in 1984 at a level of $58, and was extended in 1988 for six years.

If approved by two-thirds of the voters, the new tax will be levied for four more years, beginning July 1, 1995. In addition, the school board may adjust the tax annually for inflation. School officials said the $10 increase would add about $300,000 to the budget. They said the money will be used for, among other things, hiring teachers and purchasing books, science equipment and computers.

The tax has generated about $1.8 million annually for the school district, they said.

Opponents cite a 1990 bond measurre passed by Santa Monica and Malibu voters that gave the school district $75 million to upgrade aging school sites.

Roberta Goldfarb, a Malibu resident, said that because of mismanagement, the school reconstruction project has fallen behind schedule. “Money alone cannot rectify incompetence,” she said.

The 1990 bond issue proceeds were earmarked for construction.