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Residents urge caution on taxes and athletic spending during Marion Center Area SD public comment
Summary
Multiple residents used the public-comment period to ask the board to scrutinize the budget, question the proposed turf project and emphasize the needs of elderly residents and volunteers. The Washington Township supervisor urged review of the Clean and Green program's fiscal effect.
At the May 18 Marion Center Area School Board meeting several residents used the public-comment period to press the board on budget priorities and the proposed stadium project.
Sandra Martin, a long-time volunteer who said she has worked in the district copy room since 1979, urged the board not to eliminate her position because curriculum materials are often distributed as copies. "I am the oldest person in this district and I have been a parent volunteer since 1979," she said, arguing the service is essential. Jesse Shotts, who identified himself as Washington Township supervisor, presented information on Clean and Green and argued the program is reducing tax revenue: "Clean and Green hasn't just hurt the townships, it's hurting the school districts as well." He recommended the board scrutinize the district budget and suggested changes to local tax structures.
Other commenters objected to proposed athletic spending. Bob Colgan told the board turf installation and a tax increase were unnecessary and urged fiscal restraint. Amanda Bell asked the board to consider the tax impact on elderly residents: "Think about the many elderly in our community, where are they getting this tax increase?" Supporters of turf, including Adam Rising, argued the improvement could make the district more attractive to families and pledged fundraising support: "In talking to other districts that have put in a turf field none of them said 'We made a mistake putting in a turf field.'"
The public comments were heard before the board's formal votes on budget, tax structure and the stadium renovation project; several of the concerns voiced by residents — particularly about tax burden and priorities — were echoed during later board debate.
