WEST GEAUGA LOCAL SCHOOLS

NOVEMBER 2, 2010

1.12 MILL BOND ISSUE

ISSUE #5

 

WHAT IS A BOND?A bond issue is a property tax used to provide the local revenue for construction or capital improvements (which means permanent structural improvements such as buildings and facilities). The funds raised by a bond can NOT be used for operating expenses, i.e. salaries, educational programs, services, etc.

 

WHY ARE THE FUNDS FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS NEEDED NOW? Just like the maintenance needed on a house, it’s important to maintain the school district’s buildings and property. Repairs or replacements are critical to West Geauga at this time due to wear and tear (especially the brutal winters in Geauga County), the life cycle of a structure/facility and health and safety concerns. Plus, since low interest bond funds are available from the Ohio School Facilities Commissions only through December 2010, it makes financial sense to put the issue on the ballot now. Below is a partial list of the major projects.

HOW MUCH WILL THE BOND RAISE? Passage of the bond will raise $12 million to be repaid annually over a maximum period of 28 years. If passed, collection will begin in January 2011.

 

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST THE HOMEOWNER? Passage of the bond will cost the homeowner $34/year per $100,000 of the home’s market value.

 

AREN’T HOMEOWNERS ALREADY PAYING ON A WEST GEAUGA LOCAL SCHOOLS BOND? West Geauga voters passed a 3 mill, 23-year bond in 1994. The funds were used for additions/renovations to all school buildings and the West Geauga Board of Education office. The bond cost the homeowner approximately $92/year per $100,000 of the home’s market value. The district has been prudent in reviewing and securing the best interest rates over the years. Therefore, the current bond will be paid off in 2012, FIVE years earlier than the original repayment schedule, saving taxpayers five years of payments.

 

 

 

 

Roof replacement at all schools: Through funding from the 1994 bond, many building roofs were repaired/replaced in 1995-1996, and others were repaired as needed. Most of the district buildings’ roofs are flat the high cost of peaked roofs and to conform to the original design of the buildings. They are nearing the end of their life cycle, and the harsh winters have hastened that process causing safety concerns as well as leakage. Passage of the levy would ensure tear-off of the old roofs to be replaced with new gravel surface roofs that have a life span of 25-30 years.

 

Asphalt resurfacing of parking lots at all school buildings: The parking lots were last resurfaced on a rotating basis from 2001-2004. Due to wear and tear, weather-related damage and the extremely high volume of traffic on the lots, they need to be resurfaced again.

 

Replacement of the roof top heating units at all school buildings: The heating units were installed in 1995-1996 through funding from the 1994 bond. While they have been well-maintained, they have reached the end of their normal life cycle where the cost of maintenance will exceed the cost of replacement.

 

Replacement of the exterior tiles at the high school and middle school with a durable brick veneer: Tiles were installed in 1995 through funding from the 1994 bond. This material was selected at the time as a less expensive alternative to brick. The material combined with the adhesive did not hold up, and falling tiles have become a safety hazard. Passage of the new bond would ensure the funding for replacement of the tiles with a durable brick veneer and appropriate adhesive.

 

Installation of a back-up water well on the school district's main campus: There is one water well on the school district's main campus. The well was originally installed during the early 1960s. While the district has scrupulously maintained the well throughout the years; a malfunction of the well would mean no sanitation, no food service and ultimately closing the schools and library. In consideration of its age and efficiency, it is prudent to dig a back-up well in anticipation of a major well malfunction.

 

 

PLEASE VOTE!