APCD Rule Harms Schools

It is reasonable for taxpayers of Ventura County to believe that their tax dollars designated for education will go toward educating children.

With overcrowded classrooms and concern over test scores, it is imperative that our education dollars not be diverted to other uses.

Now, however, we must contend with the County Air Pollution Control District (APCD) and its Rule 210, which requires employers with more than 50 employees to provide incentives for those employees to ride share.

The cost to Ventura County school districts of complying with the APCD Rule is $30,000 PER DAY.

That is the equivalent of a year’s salary for one new teacher.

At the end of the school year the school districts will lose the equivalent salary of 180 teachers.

Is that where the taxpayers want their education dollars spent?

The Ventura County Taxpayers Assn. has long been concerned over this APCD Rule.

The county is spending nearly $1 million a year of our tax dollars as an incentive to county employees.

We have already seen the city of Thousand Oaks close on Fridays to comply with the rule.

Companies are closing and moving to other states rather than struggle under the current governmental regulations.

The taxpayers must let their voices be heard by the Board of Supervisors.

JERE ROBLINGS, Executive Director, Ventura County Taxpayers Assn.