Pettisville school board considers bond issue

7/23/2008

PETTISVILLE, Ohio - The Pettisville Board of Education has taken the first of two steps toward placing a bond issue - estimated to be 7.86 mills - on the November ballot.

Board members voted unanimously Monday to seek certification on figures from the county auditor for an issue which would generate about $3.8 million.

The money would provide the local match to build a $21.4 million prekindergarten-through-12th-grade school in the Fulton County district.

The Ohio School Facilities Commission has committed to providing 82 percent of the funding, or $17.5 million.

The 28-year bond issue proposal includes a continuing 0.5-mill maintenance request, as required for state funding.

A decision on whether to proceed to the November ballot is expected Aug. 11, Superintendent Stephen Switzer said.

If the levy is certified at the district's estimated total of 7.86 mills, it would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $240 annually, school leaders said. A senior citizen owning such a home would pay $180 annually.

Pettisville school officials plan four public meetings to seek input on the proposed facility. Meetings will be at 7 p.m. on Aug. 12 and Aug. 14, at 10 a.m. Aug. 15, and at 7 p.m. Sept. 8 at Pettisville School.