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Board sets public hearing for $105M school bond; resident urges project-level funding transparency
Summary
The Jackson County Board set a public hearing for Aug. 4 on a proposed $105 million school bond; a public commenter asked the board to identify specific projects and a named accountable party to prevent funds being shifted between projects without public approval.
County staff presented language and estimates for a proposed $105,000,000 school facilities bond and the board voted to set a public hearing for Aug. 4 so voters can consider the measure. Staff read estimated lifetime costs and an example tax impact for property owners.
The presentation included an estimated cumulative cost over the bond life of about $140,647,256 and an example tax impact of $48.60 per year for each $100,000 in property value, using the state template language for ballot presentation.
During public comment, a resident identified as Tammy said she supports school investment but asked for transparency and accountability. "As written, the proposed $105,000,000 school bond... doesn't identify which projects are included, how much each project is expected to receive, or what protection exists if one project exceeds its budget," Tammy told the board. She asked the board to "amend the bond language or adopt a companion resolution that moves every project, the anticipated funding for each one, and the process you guys will follow if the cost change" so funds cannot be shifted without public discussion and approval.
Board members discussed the constraints of ballot timing and state templates and noted options such as asking separate questions for individual projects, but did not change the proposed language at the meeting. The board scheduled the public hearing for Aug. 4 and noted the county must provide materials to the board of elections by Aug. 5.
