By KEN de la BASTIDE
BUNKER HILL — Voters in the Maconaquah school district will determine today whether the school system can move forward with a $19 million bond issue.
Voting at Maconaquah High School will take place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. There are approximately 6,600 eligible voters, and election officials are anticipating up to a 40 percent turnout.
Sherry Payne, first deputy clerk in the Miami County Voter Registration Office, said as of Wednesday, approximately 400 absentee ballots had been cast.
The referendum is a result of a petition drive earlier this year in which 161 of the 180 signatures were opposed to the bond issue.
The school system is seeking the $19 million to renovate the high school and middle school. The high school was constructed in 1964, and the middle school opened in 1968.
Superintendent Debra Jones said Friday if the referendum passes, the school system will apply for up to $10 million in interest-free loans.
“You can’t apply until a project is approved,” she said. “If we pass the referendum, we believe the interest-free loan will be approved.”
If the bond issue is rejected, current state law states the Maconaquah school board has to wait a year before making another attempt at a bond issue.
Jones said Aug. 3 is the first deadline for seeking the interest-free loan from the state.
She said the Hebron school system opened bids on a building project this week that came in 27 percent lower than the cost estimate.
“We’re planning on the bids being lower,” Jones said. “The actual project cost is $14.5 million.”
If the interest-free loan is received, the property tax increase is expected to be 12 cents per $100 of assessed valuation instead of 25 cents.
The funds would be used to renovate the heating and air conditioning systems, upgrade the electrical system for future technology and replace galvanized pipe in the two buildings.
Pat Maiben, one of those opposed to the project, does not think the availability of zero-interest financing for $10 million of the project will change many minds, because while the district is eligible to apply, it is not guaranteed to receive it.
She said those who are against the project do not want to pay higher taxes, and they want to know where specifically the money is going.
If you go:
• What: Referendum vote on $19 million bond issue for renovation of Maconaquah middle and high schools.
• When: Polls open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Where: Voting at Maconaquah High School.
