Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
Eastern Adams County's Only Independent Voice Since 1887
Special Election ballots mailed on Jan. 22 to Adams County voters
Superintendent Rob Roettger attended multiple public meetings and hosted two public forums since the beginning of the year in order to answer citizen’s questions regarding the upcoming Feb. 9 Special Election ballot measure.
The Ritzville School District has placed a 20-year, $12.8 million bond on the Special Election ballot to modernize, improve and construct school facilities.
The proposed bond is estimated at a tax rate of $2.92 per thousand for collection in January 2017. The current bond expires at the end of 2016, and the proposed bond is an increase of $1.89 per thousand in comparison.
The bond includes the full modernization of Lind-Ritzville High School, district-wide improvement projects, energy/safety upgrades at Ritzville Grade School and the construction of an 8,000 square-foot auxiliary gym.
The majority of the questions surrounding the bond revolved around safety, current bonds or levies, state match and the school district’s future plans.
Roettger explained the bond of the construction of the track facility has already been collected and currently taxpayers are not paying for that bond.
The only levy through the school district is the current Maintenance and Operation (M&O) levy, and the replacement M&O proposal on the Special Election ballot.
During his presentations, Roettger made it clear to explain the school district is also running a replacement M&O levy, which is a two-year replacement levy. The proposal for the M&O is a collection rate of $3 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
The current M&O is being collected at a rate of $2.89 per thousand.
Residents also questioned the district’s plan if the bond does not pass during the February election. Roettger said because of the quick turn around time to appear on the April ballot, the district would most likely be unable to draft a new proposal in that time.
The district would have an option to appear on the General Election ballot in the fall, but Roettger said the district is hesitant because it is a presidential election.
Many citizens addressed current safety concerns regarding lock down procedures in the school, and inquired if the improvement of the locks, handles and hardware on the doors would improve the overall safety of the students.
Roettger explained the work would allow the secretary to push a single button and the school could immediately go into lock down. The proposal for updated security also includes the installation of security cameras outside the school and in the hallways, adding to another level of monitoring of the safety of the buildings, Roettger said.
Another inquiry regarded the state match money for the project.
While the taxpayers would be committed to $12.8 million, the high school modernization project would be eligible for up to $4.73 million in additional funds.
Roettger said the money should remain available, even if the bond does not pass in February. However, with the cost of construction projects increasing each year and inflation, the amount of state match money could remain the same.
He clarified the state match money can only be applied for after the bond passes, and local dollars must be spent first.
The remainder of the questions revolved around the plan for the district to maintain the facilities. Roettger explained an additional maintenance employee has been added to the staff this year, and the maintenance department has a list of the projects needing to be completed.
Overall, he said, the maintenance staff does an outstanding job of upkeep on the multiple properties in the district.
The Special Election ballots are mailed on Jan. 22 and must be returned by the Feb. 9 election date. Drop boxes are available at Ritzville City Hall and in the Adams County Auditor’s Office.
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