In the election Tuesday, Morgan County R-II School District voters said no to a proposed bond issue for approximately $8.5 million to build a fine arts center and make repairs and remodels to school buildings.
The bond issue, which would have increased the levy rate by approximately 25 cents per $100 of assessed valuation for debt service, failed in a 302 to 858 vote. The district's levy on real and personal property will remain $2.75 per $100 of assessed valuation.
"I'm always optimistic, but with the economy and recent non-increases in Social Security, I knew the hill was getting steeper," said superintendent Jeff Carter about the loss.
With the bonds, the school could have taken advantage of nearly interest-free bonds through federal stimulus funding. The fine arts center, however, is still part of the district's long term plans. It will just take longer.
