Temecula Agrees To Pay Higher Property Taxes For Schools

Temecula voters Tuesday said they are willing to pay higher property taxes to fund local schools.

Measure Y asked Temecula voters to approve $165 million in bonds to be issued by the Temecula Valley Unified School District in order to make improvements and upgrades across its campuses.

Residents responded by passing the measure with 63.03 percent of the vote.

According to the TVUSD, funds from Measure Y would be used to:

• Upgrade classrooms, science labs, computer systems, and technology infrastructure to keep pace with advancing technology;
• Renovate, update and modernize facilities and equipment to provide new and expanded career technical programs and advanced courses in math, science, and technology so local children are prepared for college and good-paying jobs;
• Improve energy efficiency, and reinvest the savings in programs such as arts and music;
• Repair and replace roofs, floors, walkways, lighting, electrical and plumbing systems; and
• Add classrooms, labs, and other facilities to meet student needs and reduce overcrowding.

Under Measure Y, the district will be authorized to sell the bonds and levy taxes against property owners within the district to pay the principal and interest on the bonds. The district has stated the average property homeowner will pay about $28 a year, however the amount can rise. (Click here to read a tax rate statement on Measure Y.)