Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is issue 34 about?
A: Issue 34 is a proposed bond issue for the purpose of paying the local share of school construction under the State of Ohio Classroom Facilities Assistance Program.
Q: What is the amount and term of this Bond Issue/Tax Levy?
A: This is a 1.9 mill bond issue for 28 years.
Q: Why do we need additional funds for our school buildings?
A: The Eaton Community School District has been notified by the State of Ohio that we are now eligible to receive the state’s share of the funding to complete Phase II of our district’s master plan. On August 10, 2009, the Board of Education made the decision to place a 1.9 mill bond issue on this November’s ballot to fund a still needed local share of the final project. If the bond issue is successful, we will receive approximately $24 million from the state to build the new buildings. The revenue from this bond issue will go to pay for parts of the project that the state will not fund, such as lower-maintenance floors and roofs.
When the community decided to move forward with the Facilities Master Plan in 2001, it was with the understanding that 43% of the total project cost funding to complete Phase II of the plan would be coming in the future from the Ohio School Facilities Commission. The future is NOW! We are eligible to receive approximately $24 million dollars from the state of Ohio to complete OUR Facilities Master Plan. The revenue generated from the 1.9 mill levy will complete our required local share enabling us to complete our facilities project. But, our opportunity is now and we will lose our chance if we don’t take advantage of it now.
Q: What is “Phase II” of the Facilities Master Plan?
A: In 2001 our community made a decision to enter into a Facilities Master Plan to address the educational needs of our students. Phase I of the plan was completed in 2004 with the construction of the new Eaton High School and the total renovation of Hollingsworth East Elementary. Phase II, calls for the construction of a new middle school on the site of the new high school and the construction of a new grade 3-5 elementary school on the site of Hollingsworth East Elementary. As planned, Phase I was completed and funded totally with the proceeds of local tax dollars under the promise of future funding from the state to complete the majority share of Phase II. The future is now.
Q: Isn’t this a change to the original plan developed in 2001?
A: Yes. As required by the Ohio School Facilities Commission, another of William Bruce Elementary and Eaton Middle School was completed. Since several years have passed since our original assessment our buildings reflected additional concerns as can be expected with an additional eight years of aging. Based on the new data presented, it was recommended by our local facilities planning committee, and approved by the school Board to proceed with the original recommendation, and in addition, to build a new 3-5 elementary building rather than renovate William Bruce. The Ohio School Facilities commission guidelines for renovation vs. replacement recommend replacement of facilities if costs to renovate exceed 66% of replacement costs. Bruce Elementary barely fell within the guidelines of the OSFC’s established renovation vs. replacement factor back in 2001. The new assessment of the building places the renovation cost at over 80% of building an entirely new grade 3-5 building. The Board’s decision to build a new elementary school is more cost effective and practical for the long term future of the district.
Q: What will become of abandoned buildings?
A: The Board has no intention of demolishing the buildings. While we are badly in need of new classroom spaces, we are confident that our buildings can continue to serve our community well in other capacities and we are actively seeking out potential tenants and buyers. In fact, we already have interest in area agencies expressing interest in the possibility of leasing spaces that become available.
Q: Will We Be Addressing our Needs for Stadiums With These Dollars?
A: No, the funds generated will NOT fund the development of stadiums such as football, baseball, or softball. While the plan will include spaces for physical fitness classes and play spaces, there is no current plan to develop outdoor areas for interscholastic competitions.
Q: What are the costs of waiting? What if we lose the state dollars?
A: It is the responsibility of the administration and school board to ensure that we provide safe and efficient learning spaces for our students. While our district continues to move forward academically, we have challenges before us in terms of our classrooms for students in grades 3-6. The Middle School and Bruce Elementary are in need of repair or replacement of major systems. (i.e. heating, plumbing, technology). We MUST ensure that our students are learning in safe and efficient learning spaces. If we don’t replace these spaces, we will spend even more taxpayer dollars over the next several years addressing these critical needs.
| Base Project (Based on construction inflation rate of 3.5% per year) |
||
| Year | Total Master Plan Cost | |
| In 5 Years | $33,886,260 | |
| In 10 Years | $40,246,247 | |
| In 20 Years | $56,771,307 | |
| In 30 Years | $80,081,535 | |
Q: How is the 1.9 mill tax assessed and what will it cost me?
A: The proposed assessment will be funded through property tax.
| Homestead Exemption |
Home Value |
Daily | Weekly | Monthly | Semi- Annual |
Annual |
| No | $100,000 | $0.16 | $1.12 | $4.85 | $29.09 | $58.19 |
| Yes | $100,000 | $0.12 | $0.84 | $3.64 | $21.82 | $43.64 |
| No | $140,000 | $0.22 | $1.57 | $6.79 | $40.73 | $81.46 |
| Yes | $140,000 | $0.18 | $1.29 | $5.58 | $33.46 | $66.92 |
| No | $180,000 | $0.29 | $2.01 | $8.73 | $52.37 | $104.74 |
| Yes | $180,000 | $0.25 | $1.73 | $7.52 | $45.10 | $90.19 |
| No | $220,000 | $0.35 | $2.46 | $10.67 | $64.01 | $128.01 |
| Yes | $220,000 | $0.31 | $2.18 | $9.46 | $56.73 | $113.47 |
| No | $260,000 | $0.41 | $2.91 | $12.61 | $75.64 | $151.29 |
| Yes | $260,000 | $0.37 | $2.63 | $11.40 | $68.37 | $136.74 |
* It is important to know that on September 14, 2009, the Board of Education unanimously voted to cease further collection of taxes and retire the outstanding bonds on a School Improvement Bond issue dated February 1, 2005. Therefore, the net increase in your real estate taxes will be less based upon the value of your home. The numbers reflected here are approximate. For specific answers about your property, please contact the Preble County Auditor.
Q: What about the dollars spent during Phase I on William Bruce Elementary?
A: The installation of new windows was completed at Bruce Elementary as part of Phase I of the Facilities Master Plan. It was determined at that time that they were badly in need of replacement and the Board moved forward with that project. In reality, because the building is intended for future occupancy, the replacement of those windows was a sound investment.
Q: Where can I find more information?
A: Please call Brad Neavin, Superintendent (456-1107) or Priscilla Dodson, Treasurer (456-1109) if you have questions or need additional information about the district’s finances. You can also find information about school finance and the Eaton Community School District by visiting the websites of the Ohio Department of Education (www.ode.state.oh.us) and the Citizens for Quality Schools (www.eatoncqs.org).