Iredell County voters will soon be asked to decide whether they want the government to take more of their money in the form of higher property taxes.

The County Commissioners have stated their intent to place a school bond referendum on the ballot this fall. As of the time this is written, the exact amount has not been set, but is expected to be in the $50 million range, more than enough to necessitate a significant tax increase.

The commissioners have already pledged to give the schools $35,000,000 financed by a COPS bond (bonds that can be issued without a vote of the people). The bond on the ballot would be in addition to the COPS bond. Thus the referendum is a win/win proposition for the schools. If it fails they still get $35 million; if it passes they get a lot more. Many observers wonder why the commissioners are not allowing the citizens to vote on the whole amount, instead of only part.

One of the defects in state campaign laws is that the top school administrators, whose generous salaries are paid by the taxpayer, can legally spend their time campaigning for the bond, and twisting the arms of other school employees to do likewise. Word is that Superintendent Holliday is already working hard to insure passage of the bond.

Taxpayer advocates, on the other hand, have to organize a campaign from scratch, using their own time and their own resources.

The mainstream press will give bond supporters thousands of dollars of free advertising in the form of slanted news articles. A picture of a rusted basketball goal at N.B. Mills Elementary adorned the front page of the April 24 Record & Landmark. The editor’s clear intent was to make it appear the school system was too poor to afford new basketball goals. More thoughtful readers drew the conclusion that the schools neglect routine maintenance. A few gallons of paint applied over the years would have prevented the problem.

One thing is certain: If the bond is defeated, school officials will be back asking for more money. And if it passes they will be back asking for more money.