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North Lamar bonds on the ballot
By Mary Madewell
Published May 5, 2009
North Lamar Independent School District voters go to the polls Saturday to decide the fate of two bond propositions totaling $4.68 million for added classrooms at the high school and renovations at other campuses.
Proposition 1, for $4.16 million, is for four science labs and six computer labs at North Lamar High School. Proposition 2, for $520,000, is for repairs and improvements at existing facilities.
The total estimated construction cost of classroom additions is $3,570,500, with an additional $589,500 in assumed development costs. That amount includes architectural and engineering fees; building permit; document printing; geotechnical survey and report; topographical survey; materials testing; HVAC testing and balancing; TDLR plan review and inspection and furniture and equipment.
Renovations at other campuses include carpet at Higgins and Everett elementary schools; kitchen equipment at all campuses; the replacement of 25 roof air conditioning units; the resurfacing of the high school parking lot; and, roof repairs at Stone Middle School.
Superintendent James Dawson said Monday that he has made about 20 informational presentations.
“I can’t express an opinion for or against,” Dawson said.
“I can just give you information,” the superintendent said as he handed a brochure to the media.
The brochure predicts a 2.16 interest and sinking tax rate decrease this year due to the retirement of bonds for the high school. The current I&S rate is 11.81 cents per $100 valuation. That rate is projected to drop to 9.65 cents to retire bonds for both propositions. Taxpayers who have homestead exemptions (for citizens 65 or older) taxes are frozen the year a taxpayer turns 65 and will not increase as a result of the bond vote.
“The dollar amount paid at age 65 will not increase as long as the resident remains in the home and does not make major improvements,” the brochure states. “It is important to note that seniors must request this status to qualify.”
An explanation section about the four science labs and six computer labs addressed Texas legislation requiring students to take four years of both math and science beginning with the 2007 class. Additional computer labs will be used for technology courses and electronic testing requirements.
On election day, voters in Precinct 1 should report to Everett Elementary School at 3201 Lewis Lane in Paris and those in Precinct 2 will cast ballots at the Powderly Volunteer Fire Department, 100 County Road 44112, in Powderly.
Polls open at 7 a.m. and will remain open until the last voter in line at 7 p.m. has cast a ballot.
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