WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Four area school districts are asking their taxpayers to weigh in on bond proposals today.
Sturgis Public Schools, St. Joseph County’s largest school district, is pitching a $98 million bond proposal. If passed, the proposal will extend a current bond with no increase in taxes, according to district officials.
Superintendent Art Ebert said the district is nearing the end of a 30-year bond. The request is an extension of the current millage, resulting in no millage increase, Ebert said.
The district’s last bond was in 2000, with $10.7 million left in that current 30-year cycle.
The millage rate starting in 2027 is $3.15 on each $1,000 of a home’s taxable valuation, according to information provided by the district.
Of the $98 million in the proposal, approximately $25.8 million would be marked for a new aquatic center, refurbishing all 116 bathrooms in the district at a cost of $11.8 million, and roof replacements set to total $9.5 million.
Updating the district’s athletic facilities and installing turf at the football, baseball and softball fields totals $11.4 million.
Voting will take place at the Sturges-Young Center for the Arts on North Nottawa Street.
