Board reviews feasibility study for $36M bond package, debates scaling and funding options

Consultants presented an updated feasibility study for a proposed bond package that would fund a middle school renovation/addition, a new early childhood center and a maintenance building. "Just so you know, this is very early design," the presenter (Bobby) told the board and showed three design options for the middle-school entry canopy and interior "welcome commons." The consultant said the early childhood figure had increased by roughly $325,000 from previous estimates.

Board members pressed for alternative price points and componentized costs that could be packaged for a May decision and for voter materials ahead of a potential November bond election. One member argued separating projects might help: "I believe the middle school is the more important of the two projects," a board member said, urging the board to consider prioritizing the middle school and pursuing supplemental funding for an early childhood center.

Several board members voiced concern about the overall size of the package. "I would say that Osage City probably will not pass a bond issue that much because we cannot afford it," one member said, pointing to high free-and-reduced-lunch rates as evidence many residents would face significant tax impact if the full package were placed on the ballot as presented. The board asked the consultants and construction partners to return with component prices (ag science and fitness addition, lighter renovation, and other alternate packages) so the board could evaluate lower, mid and high options. A construction representative said two independent cost checks for the maintenance building were within $30,000 of each other, noting typical contingencies and equipment allowances were included.

The consultants recommended the board decide what total tax-impact number it believed could be supported locally (for example, a $25 million target) so the team could model what components could be included at that price point and the tax impact per $1,000 of assessed value. The board agreed to ask construction partners for rough magnitude estimates on component pieces and to pursue additional discussions with potential funders, including the Jones Foundation, before finalizing the May package.

Next steps: the board directed staff to get component-level cost estimates and, where possible, to begin outreach to prospective funders so the board could refine a package to present to voters.