Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Bond topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board signs preliminary bond application, schedules special meeting to set Nov. ballot language
Summary
The board authorized submission of a preliminary bond‑qualification application to the state treasurer and set a special meeting for Aug. 5 to consider ballot language for a November election; presenters said the proposed bond would prioritize middle and high school work and estimate an informational millage of about 3.1 mills.
The Gwinn Area Community Schools board voted to submit a preliminary qualification application to the state treasurer as the next step toward placing a school construction bond on the November ballot and scheduled a special board meeting Aug. 5 to finalize ballot language.
Steve, the bond presenter, told the board the current proposal focuses on middle and high school renovations — including a gym addition, secure front entries, upgrades to the CTE/business wing, science‑lab overhauls and auditorium/kitchen/cafeteria work — rather than elementary projects. He said the narrower, phased approach was chosen because community feedback suggested a smaller, more passable ask than a districtwide elementary-plus package.
Board members also discussed a condemned blockhouse/press box at the athletic complex that the district’s insurer will not continue to cover for property damage; the presenter said the blockhouse and upper press‑box levels will likely be removed and replaced as part of the project scope.
The business manager explained how the district’s existing sinking fund (1.5 mills) and a new bond’s informational mill estimate (about 3.1 mills) could appear on taxpayers’ bills, and described levy smoothing—how existing levies, new debt and taxable value changes interact over time. "When this passes in November 2024, we will not be able to get that 3.1 mills on the tax bill for December 1…So folks are gonna be able to pull back 1.5 mills," the business manager said, adding that the net long‑term effect would be an approximate 1.6‑mill increase once the schedules align.
After discussion the board approved the preliminary application and agreed to meet Aug. 5 to finalize ballot language and call the election if they choose to proceed.
