Task force: Combine efforts to fund new building

MARIA STEIN - A community task force has recommended to the Marion Local school board that a combination of a 0.5% income tax, 5.32 mill bond levy and about $2 million from the general fund be used to finance the construction of a proposed $21.31 million new building.

Superintendent Mike Pohlman presented the recommendation at Monday night's school board meeting. The funds would be used to pay for a new 63,580-square-foot building that would include nine junior high and special education classrooms, an ag-education tech center, large gymnasium and locker rooms, coaches' offices, cafeteria/food service facilities, a commons/student dining area, a 1,000-square foot greenhouse and administrative offices.

During a well-attended community meeting last month, a possible funding package calling for a 0.25% earned income tax, a 7.42-mill bond issue and about $2 million in general fund reserves was presented.

Pohlman said the task force held its final meeting April 3.

"They (task force members) provided very good feedback and a large part of the discussion centered around funding," Pohlman said.

He noted that community feedback after the March 6 meeting played a role in the shift to the proposal for funding package with a lower property tax levy and higher income tax.

Board members took no action on the task force recommendation. Treasurer Amy Reineke said board members will need to pass two resolutions by the July meeting to meet an Aug. 9 deadline to have the issues placed on the Nov. 7 ballot.

It has been noted that no state funds are available to help finance the project. Pohlman said the district received Ohio School Facilities Commission funding for a project in 1999 and is not eligible for additional funding.

School officials have stated that increased enrollment in recent years, the need for additional classrooms and more cafeteria/food service and gymnasium space are among the reasons why a new building is being considered.