So, here we are.
The final week before the bond issue election. I like you have heard all you’ve wanted and then some about the bond issue presented to the voters of the Newton Municipal School District. That doesn’t matter whether you’re for it or against it.
I promise you, school officials are tired of having to talk about it. Vote Yes people are ready to get the vote over with. The Vote No crowd also wants the election to be over.
While I disagree that this was probably the best plan to put in front of voters, I also understand why the district did this. This is a project that desperately needs to be done. It’s not just the elementary school, but also the high school gymnasium.
Are there other ways to do get the project done? Possibly.
However, the school district basically only has two ways of raising revenue: apply for grants and raise property taxes. The state constitution doesn’t give the school district authority to raise sales tax.
On grants, we’ve talked about applying for a FEMA mitigation grant. Sure, the district and city might could go in together to get a new gymnasium done. However, is that building what you want? That’s a question that has not been answered.
If you do the FEMA grant, the city would have to have a use for the building that could also be used for the school district too. Would you be able to build the gym like you want it with only the funding from the grant? Probably not.
The district or city might have to kick in additional funds to add the amenities they need for it to be used as a sports facility too. And those serious discussions haven’t been had. It’s only at the surface, and that will take time to hash out a plan.
And once you get it, who owns the building? Who repairs it? Who pays the insurance? Most likely, that falls under the city’s responsibility. Right now, the city still owes a huge liability to the water fund. We really don’t know exactly how this would look.
If the bond vote fails, it might be time for the city and the district to come to the table and hash out something that will work for all sides. But until then, this is a school district issue.
Also, I don’t want to forget about the tax problem. It’s very true that the taxes in Newton are already high and would be among the top school district millage assessments in the state. That’s an issue that can’t be forgotten in this. It will have a negative impact on our community.
It’s possible that some could lose their land if they are unable to pay the additional taxes.
So when you go to the polls to vote, you have to weigh all of the consequences, both by acting and not acting. Yes, there is a cost to not acting. If you kick the can down the road, the buildings will continue to be like they are and could get worse. The repair cost could possibly outweigh the cost of the bond issue debt service annually.
And if you choose not to act, then you have to do something about the schools at some point. It would be great if we could get alumni and friends of the district to come in and donate their time and resources to do projects for the school. Is that realistic to happen? I really don’t know.
It’s a huge decision. Something needs to happen.
One thing I do really like is that there has been a lot more involvement in local politics. That is a good thing. We need more people to get involved.
As more people want to get involved, we do need to make sure there’s room to listen on both sides.
I understand, politics are messy. There are few times where everyone wins. There are more times when one side wins and another side loses. There are also times when everyone loses.
I don’t know what the result will be this coming Tuesday. I hope you get out and vote.
Brent can be reached at bmaze@newtoncountyappeal.com.
