Voters to decide bond measure that will fund Inland Lakes school improvements
INDIAN RIVER — The Inland Lakes Schools district is asking voters to approve a bond proposal on the May 7 ballot that would authorize the borrowing of up to $15.1 million over 15 years to fund facility and infrastructure improvements.
Superintendent Elizabeth Fairbanks said passage of the bond measure would mean the owner of a home with a taxable value of $50,0000 can expect to pay about $99 annually over the next 15 years to cover the bond.
"This is consistent with the current millage being levied and is expected to result in no change in (the current) tax rate," she said.
Fairbanks said the bond would allow the district to address aging infrastructure, drainage issues in the elementary school parking lot, upgrade heating systems, install floor replacements and LED lighting, and complete renovations to restrooms, electrical systems and building exteriors.
"We can't use the bond funds for teacher or administrative salaries," said Fairbanks.
Following a previous unsuccessful bond request, "we have had multiple community forums to help decide what our highest priority needs are," Fairbanks said.
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If successful, the bond proposal would also pay for the purchase of two school buses, classroom furniture and playground equipment, added Fairbanks.
The school district has established a webpage that outlines the bond proposal.
Cheboygan County Clerk Karen Brewster said registered voters in all or parts of Ellis, Koehler, Mentor, Mullett, Tuscarora and Walker townships will vote at the Tuscarora Township Hall, 3546 South Straits Highway in Indian River, from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.
— Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@gaylordheraldtimes.com.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Voters to decide bond measure that will fund Inland Lakes school improvements
