Voters in the Minneola USD No. 219 school district will go to the polls at the general election on Tuesday, November 7th to decide if now is the right time to improve district school buildings in Minneola.
The District has formed a K.I.D.S. (Keep Improving District Schools) Committee to develop and share information about facility challenges, the proposed bond issue solutions, and the Plan of Finance for the capital improvements. The goal of the KIDS Committee is that every voter in USD 219 have adequate and accurate information to make an informed decision on or before Election Day. To explain the bond proposal and answer your questions, the District and Committee have scheduled informational meetings as follows:
Monday, October 9th 6:30 PM School Cafeteria
Monday, October 30th 6:30 PM School Cafeteria
In addition to Board members and staff, the District’s architect, Construction Manager at Risk firm, and bond advisor will all be there to answer questions. Tours of the building will be offered starting at 6 pm and immediately following the presentation. Refreshments will also be available.
The November question requests the authority to issue no-more-than $15,010,000 in general obligation bonds to finance the majority of the estimated $17,000,000 cost of the proposed projects. The balance of the costs will be paid by existing Windfarm monies and from interest earned on the reinvestment of bond proceeds prior to expenditure.
Most school improvement bond issues are paid with property taxes. Minneola USD 219 is unique in that there are several Windfarms in the District. Windfarms, by state statute, are exempt from property taxes; however, the local Windfarms have contracted to support our local schools with annual in-lieu-of-tax gifts. Windfarm contract monies are estimated to pay nearly 63% of the project and bond costs. The Windfarm monies will reduce the property tax required for the bonds by 19 mills. Using a portion of the Windfarm monies for improvements that will benefit the district and community for many decades to come is a unique opportunity.
Voter registration for this election will close on Tuesday, October 17th. District patrons are encouraged to attend one or both informational meetings.