The high property tax rate the Hayden-Winkelman residents will pay this year will not last long, said Jeff Gregorich, Hayden-Winkelman School District Superintendent. He said that the property tax rates will be lower next year because the school district bond debt will be paid off as of July 1 , 2015. Therefore, the District will not have to levy a secondary tax rate next year. This should put the property tax rate similar to last year.
Gregorich added, “The HW School District appreciates all of the understanding and help we have received over the past decade to keep our school operating. We survived a much worse financial property tax challenge in 2003 and in 2005. It seems that the more challenges we face, the stronger we have become and the more determined we are to fight to keep our schools open.”
“We have a motto at HWUSD, Lobo Pride Never Dies; I truly believe it,” stated Gregorich.
“Although this current tax issue is both surprising and concerning, it may be easier to swallow knowing that it is temporary. I am optimist that the property valuations of ASARCO will increase again over the next couple of years. At that time, I would expect property tax rates to drop again,” stated Gregorich.