WC voters to head to polls

Becky Walz
Editor

The time has come for patrons in the West Central school district to head to the polls on Tuesday, April 2, to decide whether the West Central school district can issue general-obligation bonds up to $7.6 million for an addition to the existing school to house junior/senior high students. 

The measure requires a 60-percent-plus-one majority in order for the district to move forward.

While the total cost of the project is just over $9 million, $7.6 million of the cost would be funded through the 20-year bond issue. 

The remaining funds would be raised through the district's share of the 1-cent sales tax. The actual interest rates wouldn't be known until bonds are sold, but they are being estimated at 0.65 at the start and at 2.85 percent at the conclusion of the bond payback.

Bond funds cannot be used for anything other than the construction and furnishing of the addition.

In preparation for the upcoming vote, administrators have hosted several open houses and informational meetings to discuss why it is necessary to vote in favor of the measures and give the public a chance to see the deteriorating 1920 building.

Although the old building is not in immediate danger of being condemned by the state fire marshal, but the rising costs to resolve issues in the building are extensive.

During one informational meeting, Matt Gillespie of Piper Jaffray emphasized that voters favoring the bond issue must indicate “yes” on both items for it to pass. Voters cannot say “yes,” the measure should be adopted, but say “no” on being taxed.

Architects estimated a cost of $6.3 million to construct the educational area, $1.39 million for the practice gym (which, it was pointed out, could be used by area residents for winter/walking, working out), $60,000 for the elevator providing handicapped-accessibility, and $300,000 for demolition of the old structure. Other costs include the parking lot surfacing and design fees and contingency.

If the measure passes, construction could take place while school is in session with work to begin in the fall and the new building to be habitable by the start of the 2015 school year.