Twin Rivers R-X Superintendent wants community clarity about bond issue

BROSELEY — Voters in the Twin Rivers R-X school district will ultimately decide the fate of a bond issue Tuesday, April 8, and Twin Rivers R-X Superintendent Rob Brown wants to be sure people understand it.

“I would say that, so far, I’ve heard a mix of things from people in the community,” Brown said. “I think there might be some confusion with people about the bond issue and what it is.”

To start, Brown said the bond issue — which has been named Proposition CARE (Community Action Reinvesting in Education) — would be the first tax levy for Twin Rivers in 20 years.

“Right now, our current tax levy is among the lowest in the state,” Brown noted. “If the proposed bond issue passes, our tax levy would only be at the average level for schools in this region.”

According to information provided by financial analysis of L.J. Hart and Company to the school, the current tax levy is $2.9985, and has been $2.99 for the last four years.

According to Brown, the bond issue would be an 80-cent debt service levy, the funds from which would go into a separate account and be earmarked specifically for school building projects.

“We have numerous small things that need to be done, and the one big project: constructing a new junior high next to the high school,” Brown explained. “If the bond issue passes, most of the smaller items that need to be addressed will be addressed almost immediately. The new building will be what will take the longest.

“If the bond issues passes, we would be looking at collecting 80 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. So that would be $8 per thousand.”

Figuring the cost

Brown went on to explain the formula for determining cost is based on assessed valuation of personal property, but it isn’t a percentage of that full amount.

“For residential property, the percentage is 19% of the fair market value,’ Brown explained. “So, if someone has a house that has been assessed at $120,000, the amount that would go to the tax levy would be approximately $180.”

Information provided by the Butler County Assessor’s office explained the percentage of tax for the levy is, in fact, 19% for residential property, and would be only 12% for agricultural land and buildings, and 32 for commercial property.

“I’m aware that people don’t like to hear about new taxes,” Brown remarked. “But this is about half of what was asked for with the last tax levy proposal. And there are many things that need to be done for the schools, but we have to have money to do those things.”

Brown said he hopes to appeal to the sense of community as it relates to the school matters.

“I would say our community is very supportive of different things the school does,” Brown noted. “Everything from attending athletic events to school programs and different extra-curriculars like Beta Club. Our community gets involved with those things. And making these improvements is very much a community issue.”

Brown pointed to issues with the Fisk campus such as high water leaking into the cafeteria, or roof replacement that is necessary.

“The bleachers in the gym really need to be replaced,” Brown remarked. “If the bond issue passes, the new bleachers will be ordered immediately, because the bleachers need to be replaced as soon as possible.”

Brown said he hopes the community will reflect the sentiments of school faculty and staff.

“I have heard a lot of positive feedback from faculty and staff regarding our proposals,” Brown noted. “I feel like this is an investment into our kids and schools, and also into the community.”

Brown noted that the school historically tries to use local/regional contractors whenever possible, and said the school will try to hire local contractors for much of the work that needs to be done.