County Debt. 

About $50Million was borrowed for the new schools.  The tax raise was explained as being the same budget as last year, plus expected growth, plus a partial paydown of the debt.  While it's true that the new schools are no longer a topic to watch, the debt is a topic that deserves watching. 

Another $14M is the debt from the landfill.  This is something that has potential to go up instead of down.  The loan is at about 4.5%  There are ongoing operating expenses that are not covered, legal expenses, and capital improvements coming. 

Key Issues:

More debt is being added as we think of the county office building, more money that is needed for the schools, the new or renovated jail, etc.  There is only about $14M a year from all our real estate and property taxes, so as we spend that money on things that are not reimbursed by the state (like the landfill) it implies big tax increases still to come. 

If you know any key issues or background on this topic, email Research@PageCountyWatch.org