Morenci school district residents face one of those tough choices once again—a decision that will determine how much of their hard-earned cash will disappear in taxes.

Morenci’s Board of Education is looking for a way to pay for needed maintenance issues—problems that can’t be ignored or they will only worsen and cause additional troubles.

But maybe the choice isn’t so tough after all. The work has to be done and this is probably the easiest, most painless way to accomplish the task.

While many districts across the state are seeking higher millage, new millage and the creation of sinking funds, Morenci’s board just want to keep things as they are now. Postpone a slow drop in the millage from the middle school construction project, just hold it steady for five years, and a large array of maintenance issues will be covered by the funds.

Board president Dwight Mansfield knows this won’t be a popular choice for many district residents, but if people are getting by with existing school tax, he hopes they’re willing to continue paying the same rate.

The average home value in Morenci comes in at less than $90,000. If voters accept the board’s bond proposal, the owner of a typical home will pay less than $20 the first year and less than $40 for an average over five years. For the five-year period, it comes out to less than 11 cents a day.

Until state funding is increased to help districts cover basic costs, schools throughout the state will have trouble with finances. The switch to funding through sales tax (Proposal A) was good for schools until the economic downturn left districts short of cash.

Morenci has made cuts resulting in big savings, but there’s not a lot left to trim without adversely affecting the quality of education. Even with cuts made, this year’s deficit budget will lower the district’s cash reserves by about $90,000.

It’s obvious the district can’t pay for the work needed from the cash on hand. The bond proposal offers a good solution to the dilemma and we recommend voting “yes” in May.