Westmorland Union Elementary Schools: Vote Yes on Measure B Bonds - Imperial County - 2018 general Election
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Why didn't Westmorland Union Elementary tell you specifically what it will do with the $10,000,000 in Measure B?

We Could Really Use Your Help!

Real Grassroots Against Measure B

Visit our web page.

Send us a message.

Give us a call (or send a text) 909-378-5401.

  Commentary    Question    Analysis    Argument in Favor    Argument Against    Full Text    Tax Rate    Resolution  

Commentary on Measure B

#HonestBallots Movement

Your Imperial County Registrar of Voters printed and circulated ballots for this measure that didn't conform to the law. The registrar ignored our Notice and Demand to follow the law. The legislature makes this a crime. (See: How 25 County Registrars Committed A Crime.)

If you want to get really steamed up about the collusion between your Registrar and Westmorland Union Elementary Schools to lie and cheat in order to steal your taxes, you can read the letter for yourself.

Do you want to give this district a Thanksgiving surprise? Please call or text me (with #HonestBalllots, Imperial, 0642180, and your name) at 909-378-5401 right now for details. It's urgent and very time-sensitive.

VOTER ALERT!

This measure is a Proposition 46 measure requiring two-thirds voter approval. It is written as if it were a Proposition 39 (55%) measure and includes many, many things that are allowable under Proposition 39, but not under Proposition 46. Proposition 46 limits the use of bond proceeds to the "aquisition or improvement of real property." Improvement of real property does not include maintenance and repair. Furthermore, Proposition 39 allows bond funds to be spent on furnishings and equipment which Proposition 46 does not permit.

Are you sure you want vote to support this extravagant measure? It has no accountability.

This campaign was designed by Caldwell Flores Winters Inc. We figured out just the right words to get you to you to open up your checkbook.

We'd also like to introduce you to our partners -- bond lawyers, brokers, wealthy investors, architects, management firms, construction companies, and trade unions. We all stand to make a ton of money on these bonds. Our profits come right off the top, before a penny is actually spent on improving the facilities.

We're not just doing it for the money. We like to show off our work in Architectural Digest and other places where the rich and famous congregate.

Remember, we've taken a lot of risk. We gave money to get your governing board members elected, so they'd be sure to remember us when we came around for a hand-out later.

It's just business-as-usual, here in sunny Corruptifornia.

Please don't read the fine print. That's just put in by the lawyers to make what we're going to do to for you legal.

When you see highlighting in the documents below, it to see the commentary.

  Commentary    Question    Analysis    Argument in Favor    Argument Against    Full Text    Tax Rate    Resolution  

Measure B Question

APPENDIX A

BALLOT MEASURE


To construct a new gymnasium, enhance student safety and security, construct and modernize classrooms and support facilities, and provide the local match for State grants, shall the measure of Westmorland Union Elementary School District be adopted authorizing $10,000,000 in bonds at legal rates, raising an average of $648,000 annually to repay issued bonds through final maturity from levies of approximately $0.091 per $100 of assessed valuation, and no money for administrator salaries?

Bonds-Yes Bonds-No


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Impartial Analysis for Measure B

COUNTY COUNSEL'S IMPARTIAL ANALYSIS OF BOND MEASURE B

The California Constitution authorizes school districts to issue bonded indebtedness through the imposition of ad valorem property taxes upon approval of two-thirds of voters of the district who vote on the measure.

The Westmorland Union Elementary School District ("the District") proposes to issue bonded indebtedness for acquisition or improvement of real property to construct a new gymnasium, enhance student safety and security, construct and modernize classrooms and support facilities.

If two-thirds of the voters of the District who vote on the measure vote in favor of the measure, the District will be authorized to incur debt by issuing general obligation bonds to provide financing for projects listed in Measure B. Proceeds may only be used for the stated purpose and not for any other purpose, including teacher and administrator salaries, or other school operating expenses. If the measure is not approved by at least two-thirds of the voters of the District who vote on the measure, the measure will fail and the bonds will not be issued.

The maximum principal amount of the proposed bonds is not to exceed ten million dollars ($10,000,000.00). The interest rate will be established at the time of sale and will depend on market rates at that time. If issued under the Government Code, the maximum duration of the bonds cannot exceed forty (40) years. If issued under the Education Code, the maximum duration ofthe bonds cannot exceed twenty-five (25) years. The exact effect on tax rates cannot be determined until after the bonds are sold. The bonds will bear interest at a rate not exceeding the legal limit.

An annual report will be prepared, indicating the amount of funds collected and expended and the status of any projects listed in the measure.

A "yes" vote is a vote to authorize the issuance and sale of the general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed the principal amount of ten million dollars ($10,000,000.00). A "no" vote is a vote not to authorize the District to issue and sell said bonds.

The above statement is an impartial analysis of Measure B. If you desire a complete copy of the measure, please call the Election Official's Office at (442) 265-1060 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.

s/ KATHERINE TURNER
COUNTY COUNSEL

s/ Geoffrey P. Holbrook
Assistant County Counsel

*13510*13-510

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Argument in Favor of Measure B

ARGUMENT IN FAVOR OF MEASURE B

WESTMORLAND UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT

We all agree that education is the ticket to a better life for our children. Good schools help improve property values, and provide the academic foundation to better prepare our students for high school, college and well-paying jobs in the future.

While the Westmorland Elementary School has served us continuously for more than 35 years, it now needs some upgrades as well as student safety and security improvements. In addition, we must have schools facilities that are comparable to neighboring districts to enable our students to effectively compete with others in the area. We are now one of the only school districts in Imperial County without a gymnasium.

Measure "B" will provide the District with funding to ensure that our students get the school facilities they deserve and need to succeed.

Measure "B" Will:

  • Enhance student safety and security and fire/life safety systems
  • Construct a new gymnasium multipurpose building to support after-school and educational programs for both student and community use
  • Provide a required local match to enable the District to receive State Grants
  • Include an independent Citizens' Oversight Committee and annual review so the funds can only be used for voter approved projects

One of the most important legacies we can give our children and grandchildren are high quality school facilities and a good education. Community leaders Including Fernando Rivera Edith Ortega Jesusa Marquez, and Jackie Loper support Measure "B".

Your "YES" vote on Measure "B" will be an investment in our community so our children have comparable school facilities to neighboring districts our kids do not get left behind. In a community as small as ours, every vote counts. Please join us in voting for the future of the children of Westmorland by voting "YES" on MEASURE "B".

s/ Fernando Rivera
Parent

s/ Edith Ortega
Community Member

s/ Jesusa Marquez
Community Member

s/ Elizabeth Moreno
Board Member

s/ Jackie Loper
Board Member

*13512*13-512

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Argument Against Measure B

No Argument Against Filed.

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Full Text of Measure B

No Full Text Filed.

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Measure B Tax Rate Statement

APPENDIX B

TAX RATE STATEMENT
REGARDING PROPOSED
$10 MILLION
WESTMORLAND UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT
GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS

An election will be held in the Westmorland Union Elementary School District (the "District") on November 6, 2018, to authorize the sale of up to $10 million in bonds of the District to finance school facilities as described in the measure. If such bonds are authorized and sold, principal and interest on the bonds will be payable only from the proceeds of ad valorem tax levies made upon the taxable property in the District. The following information is provided in compliance with Sections 9400-9404 of the Elections Code of the State of California. Such information is based upon the best estimates and projections presently available from official sources, upon experience within the District, and other demonstrable factors.

Based upon the foregoing and projections of the District's assessed valuation, the following information is provided:

  1. 1. The best estimate of the average annual tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue over the entire duration of the bond debt service, based on a projection of assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is $0.091 per $100 of assessed valuation (or $91 per $100,000 of assessed value). The final fiscal year in which it is anticipated that the tax will be collected is fiscal year 2052-53.
  2. 2. The best estimate of the highest tax rate which would be required to be levied to fund this bond issue, which is estimated to apply starting in fiscal year 2019-20, based on a projection of assessed valuations available at the time of filing of this statement, is $0.091 per $100 of assessed valuation (or $91 per $100,000 of assessed value).
  3. 3. The best estimate of the total debt service, including the principal and interest, that would be required to be repaid if all the bonds are issued and sold is approximately $22.0 million.

Voters should note the estimated tax rate is based on the assessed value (not market value) of taxable property on the County's official tax rolls. In addition, taxpayers eligible for a property tax exemption, such as the homeowner's exemption, will be taxed at a lower effective tax rate than described above. Property owners should consult their own property tax bills and tax advisors to determine their property's assessed value and any applicable tax exemptions.

The attention of all voters is directed to the fact that the foregoing information is based upon projections and estimates only, which amounts are not maximum amounts and are not binding upon the District. The actual debt service, tax rates and the years in which they will apply may vary from those used to provide the estimates set forth above, due to factors such as variations in the timing of bond sales, the par amount of bonds sold and market interest rates available at the time of each sale, actual assessed valuations over the term of the bonds, and other factors. The date and amount of bonds sold at any given time will be determined by the District based on the need for project funds and other considerations . The actual interest rates at which the bonds will be sold will depend on conditions in the bond market at the time of sale. Actual future assessed valuations will depend upon the amount and value of taxable property within the District as determined by the County Assessor in the annual assessment and the equalization process.

s/ Nancy Johnson
Superintendent
Westmorland Union Elementary School District

*13511*13-511

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Measure B Resolution

RESOLUTION NO. 061918-215

RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE
WESTMORLAND UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT ORDERING AN ELECTION TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF SCHOOL BONDS, ESTABLISHING SPECIFICATIONS OF THE ELECTION ORDER, AND REQUESTING CONSOLIDATION WITH OTHER ELECTIONS OCCURRING ON NOVEMBER 6, 2018

WHEREAS, the Westmorland Union Elementary School District (the "District") in Imperial County (the "County"), State of California, is committed to providing quality education to all of its students; and

WHEREAS, as an investment in the future of its students and the community, the District desires to identify a funding source to construct a new gymnasium as well as to provide critical repairs, upgrades and safety improvements to all of the District's school facilities; and

WHEREAS, in the judgment of the Board of Trustees (the "Board") of the District, it is advisable to call an election to submit to the electors of the District the question of whether bonds of the District shall be issued and sold for the purpose of raising money for the acquisition and construction of school facilities; and

WHEREAS, the Board is authorized to pursue the authorization and issuance of bonds for the acquisition or improvement of real property by a two-thirds vote of the electorate on the question whether bonds of the District shall be issued and sold, under Education Code Section 15100 et seq. (the "Act") and Article XIIIA Section 1 paragraph (b) subsection (2) of the California Constitution ("Article XIIIA"); and

WHEREAS, the Board desires to call an election in the District on November 6, 2018, which is the date of the statewide general election, pursuant to the Act and Article XIIIA and, pursuant to Section 10403 of the California Elections Code, to request consolidation with any and all other elections held in the District on such date, and to request the Registrar of Voters of the County of Imperial (the "County") to perform election services for the District; and

WHEREAS, in connection with the calling of a bond election and in accordance with Education Code Section 15100(c), the Board has obtained reasonable and informed projections of assessed property valuations that take into consideration projections of assessed property valuations made by the Imperial County assessor, if any; and

NOW, THEREFORE, THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE WESTMORLAND UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DETERMINE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. Call for Election. The Board hereby orders an election and submits to the electors of the District the question of whether general obligation bonds of the District shall be issued and sold in the maximum principal amount of $9,000,000 for the purposes described in the ballot measure approved under Section 3 and attached hereto -2- as Appendix A, and paying costs incident thereto. This Resolution constitutes the order of the District to call such election and shall constitute the "specifications of the election order" pursuant to Education Code Section 5322.

Section 2. Election Date. The date of the election shall be November 6, 2018, and such bond election shall be held solely within the boundaries of the District. The boundaries of the District have not changed since the District's last election.

Section 3. Purpose of Election; Ballot Measure. The purpose of the election shall be for the voters in the District to vote on a single proposition which is attached hereto as Appendix A and marked "Appendix A – Ballot Measure" containing the question of whether the District shall issue the Bonds for the purposes stated therein. In accordance with Education Code Section 5322, the exact wording of the measure as it is to appear on the ballot is set forth on Appendix A. The County Registrar of Voters shall assign a measure designation to the measure. The Superintendent is hereby authorized and directed to make any changes to the text of the measure as required to conform to any requirements of Article XIIIA, the Act, the Imperial County Registrar of Voters or upon the advice of District legal counsel, by written direction or revisions provided to the County Registrar. Such authority expressly extends to directing changes to the 75-word statement of the measure on Appendix A resulting from an amendment or suspension of the provisions of Elections Code Section 13119 which may become effective prior to the date that the ballot materials are prepared. In such case, the Superintendent may replace Appendix A with a revised Appendix A which includes revisions reflecting the change in law.

Section 4. Authority for Election. The authority for ordering the election is contained in Section 15100 et. seq. of the Education Code and Section 1 paragraph (b) subsection (2) of Article XIIIA which authorizes the issuance of bonded indebtedness secured by ad valorem property taxes upon a two-thirds vote of the votes cast on the measure. The authority for the specification of this election order is contained in Section 5322 of the Education Code.

Section 5. Accountability Requirements. As required by Government Code Section 53410, the Board hereby confirms that: (a) the specific purposes of the bonds are set forth in the measure as presented in Appendix A hereto, (b) the proceeds of the bonds will only be spent on the purposes stated in the measure presented in Appendix A hereto, (c) if the measure is successful and bonds are issued, the District will cause to be created a segregated account into which the proceeds of the bonds shall be deposited, and (d) following the issuance of bonds, the chief fiscal officer of the District shall annually file a report with the District Board which shall be available to the public identifying the amount of bond proceeds collected and expended and the status of the bond projects.

Section 6. No Teacher or Administrator Salaries. Proceeds from the sale of the general obligation bonds authorized by the bond measure shall be used only for the acquisition or improvement of real property pursuant to Article XIIIA and the Act, and not for any other purpose, including teacher and administrator salaries and other school operating expenses.

Section 7. Delivery of this Resolution. The Clerk of the Board is hereby directed to send a copy of this Resolution to (1) the Imperial County Registrar of Voters -3- (the "County Registrar") and (2) the Imperial County Clerk of the Board of Supervisors for the purpose of consolidation. Pursuant to Education Code Section 5322, the Resolution shall be received by the County Registrar no later than 88 days prior to the election date, unless otherwise permitted by law.

The County Registrar is hereby requested to prepare the ballot as it appears on Appendix A hereto and to publish all notices related to the election, including notices of argument filing deadlines, as required by law.

Section 8. Consolidation of Election; Request to Provide Services. The County Registrar and the Imperial County Board of Supervisors are hereby requested to consolidate the election ordered hereby with any and all other elections to be held on November 6, 2018 within the District. Pursuant to Section 5303 of the Education Code and Section 10002 of the Elections Code, the Board of Supervisors of Imperial County is requested to permit the County Registrar to render all services specified by Section 10418 of the Elections Code relating to the election, for which services the District agrees to reimburse Imperial County in full from District its funds upon presentation of a bill from the County, such services to include the publication and/or posting of all required election notices and the mailing of the sample ballot and tax rate statement (described in Section 9401 of the Elections Code).

Section 9. Approval of Tax Rate Statement. Pursuant to Elections Code Section 9401, a tax rate statement has been prepared in the form attached hereto as Appendix B, which form of Tax Rate Statement is hereby approved for inclusion in the sample ballot. The President of the Board, the Superintendent, or any written designee of the foregoing, are hereby separately authorized and directed to execute the tax rate statement, and to file said Statement with the County Registrar, in accordance with Section 8 hereof. The Board hereby finds that the estimates and projects contained in the Tax Rate Statement and in the measure as presented on Appendix A have been made based on currently available information, but depend on a number of variables which are subject to variation. Such estimates and projections have been made in good faith, and are not binding or intended to be limitations on the terms of the bonds.

Section 10. Ballot Arguments. As provided in Elections Code Section 9501, any and all members of this Board are hereby authorized to act as an author of any ballot argument prepared in connection with the election, including a rebuttal argument.

Section 11. Maturity Limit of Bonds. The Bonds may be issued in series by the District from time to time, and each series of Bonds shall mature not more than the legal limit at the time of issuance thereof. The Bonds shall be issued under the Act, under the provisions of Section 53506 et seq. of the California Government Code, or under any other provision of law authorizing the issuance of general obligation bonds by school districts.

Section 12. Engagement of Professional Services. The financial advisory firm of Caldwell Flores Winters Inc. and the law firm of Jones Hall, A Professional Law Corporation have previously been appointed to perform financial advisory and bond counsel and disclosure counsel services, respectively, in connection with the Bonds. Such appointments are confirmed in connection with the proceedings and bonds described herein pursuant to existing agreements.

-4-

Section 13. Effective Date. This resolution shall take effect on and after its adoption.

* * * * * * * *

The foregoing Resolution was adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Westmorland Union Elementary School District of Imperial County, being the Board authorized by law to make the designations therein contained by the following vote, on June 19, 2018.

Adopted by the following votes:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

By:

President of the Board

Attest:

By:
Clerk of the Board

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