Time To Close Granville School

I would like to clarify some items regarding the Hancock/Granville Village School proposals.

First, Granville has only half the students that Hancock does. Is it fair for them to assume half the burden of the Village School budget?

Second, Granville residents will be facing a 10% increase in their town budget, therefore a tax increase there.

And finally, the tax rates quoted on the option proposal handouts at the meeting are far from accurate. At present Granville’s CLA (common level of appraisal) is now at 80%. This must be factored in to determine the tax rate. The rate for option #1, keeping the contract at the 33/67 assessment will be $1.74 instead of $1.392. The rate for option #2, splitting the budget expenditure 50/50 will be $1.986 instead of $1.589. And the tax rate for option #3, closing the Granville School, will become $1.458 instead of $1.167.

Should Granville decide to keep their school, this will not decrease the taxes; it will actually result in an increase. Using my appraisal as an example, if I were to vote for option #2, my taxes would increase $1608 over option #3. If I were to voter for option #1 my taxes would increase $1017 over my last year’s taxes. I personally find these proposed increases unaffordable and unacceptable.

Should Granville residents decide they want to keep their unique one-room school open despite the cost, they should do the math and realize how much it will cost them. They will be shocked. I know I was. It’s time to move on and close the school before it becomes an even more devisive issue.

Granville desperately needs a new town clerk’s office. The historic one-room school could continue on in that capacity.

Hellen Dillon

Granville