Fact Or Fiction?

Examining Anderson Mill's subUrban Myths “My city tax bill will be reduced by the LD tax bill.”  Sheer rumor.  There is no agreement with the City on this or state law allowing it.  With a LD, property owners will pay in full both the City and LD taxes. “The MUD tax and the fire district (ESD) tax will go away on annexation but will be replaced with the city and LD taxes: a zero-sum game.”  Not quite.  The MUD tax rate ($46.$100, 20% property tax exemption) and ESD tax rate ($.10/$100, -0- exemption) are replaced by the city tax rate ($.40/$100, $51,000 exemption for over 65 or disabled), Austin Community College tax rate ($.0958/$100, with $5,000 exemption or $85,000 for over 65 or disabled) and the LD tax rate (unknown at this time, exemptions unknown).      “You don’t need to know about the LD budget now. The AMFuture budget is a false issue.”  Residents have asked about a budget at every meeting discussing the LD.  They want to know what a tax rate might be.  The AMFuture budget is an estimate based on MUD figures derived from the MUD/City Strategic Partnership Agreement, and MUD and City reports. “If the city takes over, our park/pool services will decline.”  The City of Austin has agreed to maintain services for the next ten years at the current level Anderson Mill is receiving now. “If the city takes over, our park/pools will degenerate.”  The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department has received national awards and recognition for three years for its parks system. The City also has a self-interest in keeping property values up. “The LD will keep local control of our parks and pools.”  This control is limited to maintaining, replacing or upgrading existing parks/pools.  The LD cannot add or expand facilities.  For example, another swimming pool could not be built in the district. “Only LD residents will be able to use the pools.”  A LD cannot keep non-district residents out of our pools.  With a LD, anyone inside or outside of Anderson Mill can use the pool after paying a fee that purposely cannot be set high for nonresidents.    “The parks/pools are the biggest draw to Anderson Mill.”  Ask any realtor: Westwood High School, again rated this year one of the top 100 schools in the nation, is the outstanding feature for Anderson Mill. “A LD would be a voice for Anderson Mill.”  The LD is not an activist organization, but a non-profit, government entity.  Conflicts of interest will arise.  For example, when Eckerds was proposed at El Salido Parkway/620, the MUD failed to take any formal position on it despite over 100 property owners protesting it in a signed petition. “The MUD’s deed restriction enforcement efforts do not pit neighbor against neighbor.  Under the city, residents will be on their own to enforce violations.”  Many of the city’s code ordinances are similar, if not identical, to deed restrictions.  Residents can call the city’s 311 hotline to make an anonymous complaint. “The outcome of this vote could change the whole course of our neighborhood.”  The May 10th election is more than just about the Limited District.  It’s about who is best qualified, has the highest integrity, is innovative, and takes the initiative in preparing Anderson Mill for its future.