July 22, 2008

Montrose cuts sales tax to 3 percent

THE DAILY SENTINEL

— Montrose consumers got good news Tuesday when the city announced it is chopping its sales tax rate one-half of a percentage point.

The reduction to 3 percent fulfilled a promise the city made to voters in 2002 when they approved a tax increase for school construction. The five-year tax yielded $12 million that was paired with a school district property tax bond of $11 million.

With the $23 million, the school district built Johnson Elementary school for 500 students and added classrooms to Montrose High School, Olathe Middle/High School and four elementary schools. The money also paid for renovation and improvements to several other schools, according to a news release from the city and the school district.

Because the projects were completed under budget and ahead of schedule, there is money left to pay for extensive remodeling at Pomona Elementary School, adding classrooms at Columbine Middle School and improvements to the school district office, according to the news release.

The tax to allow the school building improvements began when a residents group called “It’s About Pride” started working on a plan to improve schools in 2000, according to the release.

By BEVERLY CORBELL
7/22/08