Report suggests state improve guidelines to avoid confusing referendum notices
The Woodbridge School District properly advertised its 2011 capital referendum to voters, but the state should improve guidance to schools so that notices are less confusing, according to a report from the state Auditor General's Office.
Residents of the district told the auditor's office that the district's advertisement about the March 29, 2011, referendum was "deceptive," according to the auditor's office. While the auditor's office agreed that it was confusing, the "published calculations were accurate" and complied with state rules for such notices.
Confusion stemmed from additional information included in the advertisement that told residents what their tax rate would be when another, older bond was retired. This information was not required to be in the notice.
In his report, auditor Tom Wagner offered examples for a more uniform notice for school districts and suggested it be adopted by the school districts and the state education department.
"It is my hope that these guidelines ensure consistent communication of much needed, and somewhat confusing, information to help taxpayers make informed decisions prior to a referendum vote," Wagner said in a statement.
Residents of the district told the auditor's office that the district's advertisement about the March 29, 2011, referendum was "deceptive," according to the auditor's office. While the auditor's office agreed that it was confusing, the "published calculations were accurate" and complied with state rules for such notices.
Confusion stemmed from additional information included in the advertisement that told residents what their tax rate would be when another, older bond was retired. This information was not required to be in the notice.
In his report, auditor Tom Wagner offered examples for a more uniform notice for school districts and suggested it be adopted by the school districts and the state education department.
"It is my hope that these guidelines ensure consistent communication of much needed, and somewhat confusing, information to help taxpayers make informed decisions prior to a referendum vote," Wagner said in a statement.
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