Scott City School Board aims for November bond vote

The Scott City School Board on Wednesday night voted to aim for a November bond election and approved a budget for the next fiscal year that schedules $8,870,000 in revenue and $9.6 million in expenditures, including a performing arts theater/Federal Emergency Management Agency safe room.

The 2014-2015 estimated budget also gives an average 3 percent raise for employees, superintendent Diann Ulmer said, adding traditional increases have been in the 2 to 2.5 percent neighborhood.

The board also OK'd the final tentative 2013-2014 budget. The estimated revenue for this fiscal year was about $8.3 million with expenditures of a little more than $8.9 million, with the safe room for protection from tornadoes and other inclement conditions.

The panel voted to go for November ballot placement of a no tax increase bond issue, one that would not change the district's current tax levy of 49 cents per $100 valuation.

The bonding decision traces back to a November presentation on various options by Tom Pisarkiewicz, vice president and chief financial officer, and Loren Severs, senior financial analyst, both of LJ Hart & Co. in St. Louis.

Over the past few years, Ulmer has said, the district has refinanced bonds and lease certificates to achieve lower interest rates. Those refinancing actions have created savings for the district, as well as an opportunity for additional options with regard to district facilities.

Pisarkiewicz and Severs had presented sample ballot language, and the board decided Wednesday to ask voters to approve allowing the district to borrow $1.75 million.

The funds could go for a variety of things from operating needs to repairs and renovations, according to the sample ballot language, which will likely be revised.

In other business, the board heard a program evaluation on technology with Jerry Tucker, technology director, saying the most immediate need is another server.

rcampbell@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

3000 Main St., Scott City