Committee approves multiple K–12 bond issuances and projects, including Franklin County and Somerset

Frankfort — The Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee reviewed and approved multiple K–12 school issuance requests on April 3, covering projects from small renovation and HVAC work to large new-construction authorizations.

Chelsea Couch of the Office of Financial Management presented the K–12 items. Highlights included Clinton County requesting $321,000 (100% state funded) for early childhood center improvements (total project cost $486,000 with $165,000 local cash), Franklin County with an issuance just over $45 million (state participates at roughly 7% with average annual debt-service participation in committee materials), Fulton Independent requesting $2.4 million for energy conservation improvements, Lincoln County requesting $580,000 for high-school renovations (100% state funded), McLean County requesting $5.4 million for HVAC work at multiple schools, Paris Independent requesting $1.1 million for HVAC, Somerset Independent requesting $19 million (new middle school and multipurpose facility; state participating at 2.6%), and Spencer County requesting $26 million for elementary/middle renovations.

Couch said the state’s participation rates and average annual debt service figures were included in the packet; committee members had no substantive objections and the items were rolled together and approved. Senator Froehmeyer moved to roll the items and Senator Webb seconded; a roll-call vote recorded unanimous approval.