Regarding Ron Huber’s letter to the editor (“Realtors back initiative,” Oct. 22) concerning the referendum on the Nov. 7 ballot. What the writer said sounds good, but in reality how is it going to work? He doesn’t mention what they are proposing to take the place of the property tax. If the school districts exclude up to 100 percent of the assessed value of a home from taxation, how will they make up that lost revenue?

Notice the amendment says “up to” 100 percent. There is no guarantee that the districts will do 100 percent, it just gives them that option. Each district will decide what their exclusion will be, much the same as they do now. So as an example, District A might decide 40 percent, District B might decide 50 percent, District C might do 42 percent. The exclusion applies only to the home you live in and agricultural properties. It does not apply to commercial properties. You can’t pay for the loss of revenue by raising the property tax on the commercial properties as that wouldn’t be equitable. So how are they going to make up that loss of revenue?

What the writer didn’t state is they are proposing to make up this loss of income by raising the state income tax from 3.07 percent to 4.95 percent. Now you will be bringing home less in your paycheck. They propose to increase the sales tax to 7 percent and include a tax on clothes and shoes that cost more than $50, foods we buy excluding things you can buy with WIC and some services.

Under the proposed plan, the school districts will have to wait on the state for money that currently comes directly from their taxing district, in a timely manner. Just last year, school districts had to wait on state allocated money due to the budget impasse, and it looks like it will happen again this year.

I’m not convinced that the way this amendment works is the best way to go. You should also note that if the amendment passes it is not automatic that it will take effect. The entire taxing structure will have to be changed.

I would urge people to vote no to this referendum.