Filer Votes Friday on $16.4M School Bond Levy
By Andrea Jackson, The Times-News, Twin Falls, Idaho
May 1–Filer residents will vote Friday on a proposed $16.4 million school bond, only about seven months after a similar push for $700,000 less money failed.
The last time a school bond levy passed in Filer was about a decade ago to build a new high school. But proponents like Julie Koyle, a Parent Teacher Organization school board representative, are optimistic this time around.
The need is great, she said, citing serious overcrowding and a need for roof repairs.
A majority of voters, 60.9 percent, came out in support last fall of a double bond for a new school for $14.9 million, and an athletic project for $800,000. But that didn’t cut it, because a supermajority of 66.6 percent is required for school bonds to pass.
Now the school district’s Long Range Facility Planning Committee is reaching the end of a campaign to raise property taxes 86 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value to build a school for grades 4 to 6, add classes at the high school and fund maintenance projects at the other schools.
Roof repairs are needed at Filer Elementary School and Hollister Elementary School, according to a school bond campaign flier.
Under the proposal, taxes on a $100,000 residential home would increase $43 annually, or $95 annually on a $200,000 residence, after homeowner’s exemptions are factored.
The total tax levy rate for the Filer School District is projected to register at $2.85 per $1,000 of assessed property value if the school bond levy passes — that would be a lower levy rate than it was in 2006 through 2001, but higher than in 2007 and 2008, according to a campaign flier.
This proposed levy would let the school district relocate the football field to the high school and upgrade the concession building, restrooms, 800-seat bleachers with lighting, and team rooms.
According to the Filer School District, growth in the first, second and third grades has topped out at 30 percent during the past five years.
This proposed school bond levy amount is about $700,000 greater than the version last fall.
“It’s because of building costs, plain and simple,” said Koyle. “Building costs are skyrocketing.”
District Superintendent John Graham said the district’s construction manager from Brennan Construction in Pocatello advised that if the levy amount remained at $15.7 million than all projects might not be completed.
“If we increase it (levy amount) then that will guarantee all building projects get done,” Graham said.
The proposed new school would be able to handle growth expected during the next 10 years, according to a campaign flier. The school board decided this fall to eliminate new out-of-district students at the elementary level.
Unlike some other area school districts such as Twin Falls and Jerome, the Filer School District isn’t operating with funding from a plant facility levy for building maintenance work.
Andrea Jackson can be reached at 735-3380 or Andrea.Jackson@lee.net
To the polls
Voting is from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday at Filer High School, Filer Middle School, Filer Elementary School, and Hollister Elementary School. Anyone in the Filer School District boundaries can vote and register on-site.
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