Board approves 3‑mill increase to debt service millage to support capital plan

Mr. Bennett presented a multi‑year capital plan tied to debt service millage changes, explaining the recommended 3‑mill increase to 36 mills this year as part of a plan that could reach 40 mills next summer to support renovations and potential new middle schools. "We're currently at 33 mills... we're recommending the same this year, 3 mill increase to 36 mills," Bennett said while outlining bond capacity and what the millage would fund.

Board members asked how the plan interacts with potential reauthorization of the 1% sales tax and with referendum options for new school construction. Bennett and other administrators said the 36‑mill step fits within a debt schedule prepared by municipal financial advisers and could allow major work or new builds without an immediate referendum if the sales tax is reauthorized as projected. The board debated timelines and the tradeoffs between replacing middle schools outright (which could eliminate some O&M savings) versus investing through the Schneider Electric program.

A motion to increase the debt service millage from 33 to 36 mills was moved, seconded and carried by majority vote. According to the roll‑call style count recorded by the clerk, five members voted in favor (Galvin, Shackleford, Phillips, Shippy and the mover) and three opposed (Greer, Martin, Matt Beat). The motion passed, authorizing the millage change as presented.