Williams News Logo
Grand Canyon News Logo

Trusted local news leader for Williams AZ and the Grand Canyon

County to send out<br>revised tax bills

GC VILLAGE — Coconino County will reportedly send out revised tax bills to property owners within the Grand Canyon School District during the second week of January to correct an error that created a shortfall of $419,752.

In what should be good news to individual and business property owners, the tax rate will be lower than expected. Earlier projections had the "correct" tax rate at 8.0659, but now that has been lowered to 7.4788, which falls in line with past years.

Ray Vernon, Grand Canyon School superintendent, said Thursday he was happy with the way the county handled the situation.

"It’s good news to the school district in terms of it was the most palatable way to straighten up the mess and treat the district right and the local taxpayer right," Vernon said.

Paul Babbitt, Coconino County supervisor, could not be reached for comment but said last month that the re-billing option would probably be preferred by the board.

In a fax to Vernon, county tax assessor Christine Mazon said the county attorney advised that a Truth in Taxation hearing will need to take place.

Chuck Wahler, Grand Canyon School Board president, was also pleased with the county’s solution.

"I’m certainly pleased that they acted on it quickly," Wahler said. "They’ve worked to come up with this solution that sounds like it’ll work for us."

The original incorrect tax rate for the school only was calculated at 6.2814, which comes out to $628.14 for the owner of a home valued at $100,000. The projected correct rate was figured at 8.0659, which translated to an $806.59 bill. Now, the latest corrected rate has been determined to be 7.4788, or a bill of $747.88 for a $100,000 home.

The latest property tax rate will be an increase from the original bill of approximately $120, again using the $100,000 valued home as a guideline. The corrected rate means a $299 increase for a $100,000 property.

"When the assessed value goes down, state aid goes up," Vernon said. "That being the case, that is great news to the taxpayer because the earlier projections of what the tax was will be significantly lower."

The Grand Canyon School Board took no action at its November meeting in response to the news of the error. The issue was expected to be discussed again at the board’s meeting on Monday of this week for informational purposes only. No school board action is warranted.

Vernon said the latest news of the corrected tax rate should help the public be more receptive to the override election scheduled for March.

"We anticipate no problems approaching the taxpayers next spring with the school’s override election," Vernon said.

The school district will hold the election on March 12 to exceed budget limits because of its growing high-school numbers. A comment period on the issue is currently ongoing with people invited to comment.

Those opposing the proposed increase as well as those in favor of it can submit their argument in 200 words or less. Statements will be used in the information report provided to residents of the school district.

Statements, which must be signed, can be sent to: Cecilia Owen, Coconino County superintendent of schools, 110 E. Cherry Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86001. Statements must be received no later than Jan. 4.


Donate Report a Typo Contact