WHAT NOW?

Published in the June 13, 2026 issue.

Despite rising local property tax revenues and boosts from development, Mammoth Unified School District officials warned that staffing reductions could be necessary if voters do not approve a new parcel tax measure on the November ballot.

At a recent budget workshop, district Chief Business Officer Casey O’Neill said approximately 86% of district revenue is generated locally through property taxes, parcel taxes, donations, and other community-based sources. He said property tax revenues have recently increased by about 6% to 8% annually, driven by continued growth in assessed property values and development.

O’Neill emphasized that while revenues are increasing, they remain insufficiently stable to support ongoing staffing levels without additional voter-approved funding. He noted that staffing makes up roughly 83% of the district’s total expenditures, making personnel costs the largest driver of the budget.

The warning comes after voters rejected Measure N in June, a proposed $99 fee per parcel annually intended to replace Measure G, which is expiring soon and has provided $59 per parcel annually for district operations.

O’Neill said that without a successful parcel tax measure in November, the district would likely need to “restructure” staffing, i.e. position reductions or layoffs.

The district’s funding structure is unusual compared to most California school districts, relying heavily on local revenue rather than state aid. Roughly 76% of annual funding comes from local property taxes alone, supplemented by parcel taxes and revenue tied to development and community partnerships.

He said state funding increases provide limited benefit because the district already exceeds the state’s minimum funding guarantee, meaning many new state mandates increase costs without corresponding revenue gains.

Recent development, including projects such as the Limelight Hotel, has contributed to rising property tax revenues. O’Neill said unsecured property tax revenue tied to business assets has also grown by roughly 30% to 35% annually in recent years.

“We have benefited, fiscally speaking, by the Limelight going in,” O’Neill said.

Additional hotel projects currently under construction or in planning stages are expected to generate similar revenue streams, he said.

Despite that growth, the district remains highly dependent on the local real estate market and tourism-driven economy, which can fluctuate year to year. Trustees are expected to continue discussions on a possible November parcel tax measure in the coming months.