The Garden City Telegram
NEW E-Edition!
Subscription
Required
Add Your Comment | Read (0) Comments
Greeley County votes for school improvements
Published 11/3/2010 in Local News : Area coverage
USD 200 voters approve $4.8 million in school bonds.
By JEROME P. CURRY
Greeley County USD 200 voters Tuesday overwhelmingly approved up to $4.8 million in interest free bonds to upgrade the elementary school and bring it into compliance with contemporary health and safety standards.
The bonds were approved by a vote of 424-193, according to complete but unofficial returns, said Greeley County Clerk Jerri Young.
"They made a statement for the kids," said USD Superintendent Bill Wilson of the electorate. "It's good news for the county and for the kids. We're not creating a Taj Mahal. We are going to be doing the work that needs to be done."
The superintendent said the school board would meet Monday night and start the process to sell the bonds and start construction as soon as possible.
"It makes the most sense to do this over the summer," Wilson said.
It was the first USD 200 school bond issue presented to the Tribune-based district voters in more than two decades. In 1988, they approved a bond issue to remodel the high school. Bonds financed the high school's construction in 1932. The elementary school and a gymnasium were built with bonds in 1956. USD 200 capital outlay dollars paid for a new junior high wing a dozen years ago.
The bonds approved Tuesday are Qualified School Construction Bonds. Established by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and part of the federal plan to stimulate the economy, the bonds provide federal tax credits to the purchaser in lieu of interest.
Although interest free, the bonds will increase property taxes in the school district. To retire the bonds, financial officers project a $4.86-a-month increase for a $50,000 residence; $7.30 on a $75,000 home; $9.73 on a $100,000 home; $1.62 on 160 acres of dry land; $4.26 on 160 acres of irrigated land; 53 cents on 160 acres of grassland. The average assessed value of a single-family residence in Greeley County is $57,000.
Wilson has said he expects the debt to be retired in 16 years.
Wilson noted the bond issue work planned for the elementary school includes:
* Renovation of current structures, including updating and bringing current mechanical and electrical systems to code.
* Efficiency updates (windows and doors), as well as replacing window air conditioning units with a central climate control system.
* Updates to restrooms, new carpeting and improved lighting.
* Installation of pitched roof masonry and concrete repairs.
* Cabinets, dry wall, ceiling and flooring renovation, repair and updating.
"We're not interested in luxury, we are simply looking to update a 50-plus-year-old building that needs some attention," Wilson said before the election. "There are some safety and efficiency issues, along with some adherence to new codes that make this project one that makes sense. We want to remain proactive and maintain the tradition that Greeley County has established."
Several Greeley County voters formed a Yes for Kids group to support the bond issue. There was no identifiable organized opposition to the plan to repair, renovate and update the school that serves the district's youngest students.
Found 0 comment(s)!