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Plymouth‑Canton board previews 1.5‑mill sinking fund to fund repairs, safety and buses
Summary
Board members held a first read of a proposed 1.5‑mill, 10‑year sinking fund expected to generate about $13.5 million annually for building repairs, security upgrades, buses and technology; ballot language must be filed by Aug. 11 if the board moves forward.
The Plymouth‑Canton Community Schools board heard a detailed first reading Wednesday of a proposed 1.5‑mill building and site sinking fund that, if approved by voters, would run 10 years and begin July 2027. Jill Minnick, the district’s chief finance and operations officer, told trustees the levy is intended to pay for repairs and renovations while preserving general operating funds for classrooms.
“This proposal is expected to generate approximately $13,500,000 a year,” Minnick said, describing allowable uses such as roof and heating repairs, parking lot improvements, instructional technology and school security measures. She emphasized that sinking fund revenues cannot be used for salaries, benefits or routine maintenance.
The board and public asked about ballot language and timing. Minnick told trustees the district must file ballot language with the election clerk by Aug. 11 to appear on the Nov. 3 ballot and said administration would work with legal counsel to craft clearer language explaining the difference between bond‑eligible projects and sinking‑fund‑eligible repairs. Trustees discussed coordinating sinking fund dollars with existing bond projects to preserve classroom resources and avoid additional debt.
Members and community speakers compared the proposed levy to neighboring districts’ sinking funds and asked about homeowner costs. Minnick showed a homeowner example: a property with a $200,000 taxable value would pay an estimated $25 per month under the proposal. She also noted transparency measures, including posting project spending online and subjecting funds to an independent annual audit.
No vote was taken Wednesday; the presentation served as the board’s first formal review. The administration said it will return with refined language and communications plans before the board’s July organizational meeting. If the board decides to place the measure on the ballot, the district intends to publish factual information and the community may form a separate “yes” committee to support the campaign.
