CUSD Update

Taxpayers got a break on Jan. 8, thanks to the leadership of parents in the Capistrano Unified School District and Trustees Ellen Addonizio and Jim Reardon. The CUSD Board of Trustees voted 7-0 to pass a resolution to end the 87-1 Mello-Roos tax in 2016.

Ending the tax in 2016 will result in a savings of more than $42 million to those who live in the special tax district. Areas of Mission Viejo in the 87-1 district include Pacific Hills, Canyon Crest, Quail Run and Stone Ridge, plus portions of other neighborhoods.

From the announcement sent by Mission Viejo resident Sharon Campbell:

Before the vote:

1. The tax had no end date.
2. Excess taxes collected beyond the need to service the debt were deposited to the Special Reserve Account and used for new projects not envisioned when the CFD was formed.
3. Tax increased 2% per year with no end date.
4. Bond would be paid in 2020. 

After the vote:

1. The tax ends when the bond is paid on or before September 2016.
2. Permanent suspension of the 2% annual tax increase.
3. The excess taxes collected will be applied to early bond retirement.
4. The bond will be paid on or before September 2016. (the last time you should have to pay the tax is on the payment due to the County in April 2016)

For additional information about the vote, go to http://missionviejo.patch
.com/groups/schools/p/taxpayers-in-aliso-viejo-mission-viejo-to-save-up-to-42
-mil-missionviejo

The resolutions (agenda items #1 and #1 on January 8, 2014) can be found here:  http://capousd.ca.schoolloop.com/cms/page_view
?d=x&piid=&vpid=1387187450841

Constituents who led the effort to end the tax were Sharon Campbell and Wayne Tate.