By MICHELLE BESAW
ELLENBURG — The Northern Adirondack Central School Board wants to stress that if the building proposal here doesn’t pass, taxpayers will pay.
“And you will pay out of your pocket,” said board member Mindy Warick. “And you’re going to be digging deep.”
The board met Monday night in front of 18 residents to pitch the latest — and the last — proposal for a capital building project that will remedy the mandated renovations needed at the aging buildings.
“This is a matter of bare bones,” Warick continued. “If this proposal doesn’t pass, you are going to have a tax increase. These repairs have to be done. That’s the bottom line. It’s that simple.”
PROPOSITION 1
The new proposal, to be called Proposition 1 on the ballot, was scaled back from its original $35.9 million scope, bringing it down more than $7.9 million and promising no costs to taxpayers.
The reductions were almost completely from cutting the site work, which had included the addition of a front drop-off loop, soccer/football field, track, 200-person bleachers and a Middle School gymnasium — items that taxpayers scrutinized before voting down the original proposal in mid-December.
Proposition 1 now includes the addition of classrooms, technology upgrades, roof replacement, energy-efficiency upgrades and renovations to the library, auditorium, pool, locker rooms, classrooms and cafeteria.
Site improvements in Proposition 1 will upgrade field drainage, replace playground equipment and repair damaged sidewalks and fencing.
PROPOSITION 2
A second proposal is up for vote, called Proposition 2, which includes a new multipurpose gym, field-accessible toilets and a concession stand.
That project will be in addition to the Proposition I renovations and would tack on $1,911,000, if approved.
The tax impact on someone with a $75,000 home would be $19.08 per year or $1.59 per month, with STAR exemption.
But Superintendent Laura Marlow stressed the importance of the second proposal, pointing out that the wrestling team currently practices in the cafeteria and is ruining the floors with their mats.
“We’ve been criticized by other districts,” she said of their lack of outdoor facilities during sporting events.
VOTE IS MARCH 22
Residents should vote on both propositions, school officials say. Proposition 1 must pass in order for the project in Proposition 2 to go forward, if the latter passes.
By voting only for Proposition 2, neither proposition will pass, which is a situation the board fears.
“We’re doing our darndest to make this as simple as possible,” Marlow said of the voting process, which takes place noon to 8 p.m. Monday, March 22.
“We were able to build a project using our maximum state aid, a project that addresses all infrastructure work that needs to be done.”
‘FREE MONEY’
Marlow hopes people will understand the importance of passing the building project.
But Chris Belair of Altona, who represents NACS on the BOCES Board, doesn’t find that likely.
“They have their mind made up,” he said of voters. “They don’t want to learn the facts — it’s unfortunate.”
But Warick said “sometimes the facts hurt,” again relaying that without this state aid, taxpayers will pay.
“We have to take advantage of the free money.”
Christine Boyea of Ellenburg agrees.
“I’ve worked at these buildings over 30 years,” said the former teacher. “I’ve seen it; these improvements need to be done.”
The board pointed out that this state aid comes from taxes that residents have already paid. If they don’t use the money, Marlow said, another district will.
“Wouldn’t you rather have your state tax dollars spent in your own district?”
E-mail Michelle Besaw at:
mbesaw@pressrepublican.com
