Tri County to Hold School Bond Special Election in May

On March 10, the Tri County Public Schools Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a resolution calling for a special election of the voters of the school district to vote for or against the issuance of General Obligation School Building Bonds, in an amount not to exceed $21.5 million, for the purpose of constructing additions, renovations and improvements to the district's existing facilities.The special election will be held Tuesday, May 13, 2025, by mail. No polling places will be open for voting. Instead, each registered voter residing within the district will receive a ballot by mail at his/her address as it appears on the voter registration register.The Tri County Public School District covers portions of northwest Jefferson County, western Gage County and southeast Saline County. CostsThe total cost of the project is anticipated to be $28.3 million. Of that, $6.8 million for the lease purchase will come from the existing building fund and general fund levy from the tax levy that is already in place. So the lease purchase should have no impact on the levy, according to school officials.The remaining $21.5 million will come from the General Obligation bonds, if approved by the voters, and require an increase of 11.5 cents. The bonds will have a 25-year term with a projected average interest rate of 4.36 percent.According to Tri County, the school district’s valuation is kept level for the life of the bonds.After 2032, when the lease purchase is paid off, the levy increase will drop to 10.8 cents. The ProjectThe funds will be used for constructing additions, renovations and improvements to the school district’s facilities. Included among those improvements are:Updated CTE/Ag/Art facilitiesExpansion of the preschoolPerforming arts and auditorium facilitiesNew gymnasium with weight room and lockersCommons and concessionsInterior improvementsUpdated press box and grandstandUpdated parking and paving TimelineIf the bond is approved, the project will follow this general timeline:Design/Planning/Preconstruction:May 2025-October 2025Construction Begins: October 2025Estimated Completion: December 2027 Community MeetingsA series of community meetings will be held in April for the public:Tuesday, April 1st, 7:00 p.m., at the Dewitt Community CenterThursday, April 3rd, 7:00 p.m., at the Plymouth Community CenterTuesday, April 8th, 7:00 p.m., at the Swanton LegionThursday, April 10th, 7:00 p.m., at the Western FirehallMonday, April 14th, 10:00 a.m., at the Dewitt LegionWednesday, April 16th, 10:00 a.m. at the Plymouth Community Center Land ValuesWith the passing of LB (Legislative Bill ) 2 in 2021, assessed value of agricultural land is lowered from 71 percent for Gage County and 72 percent for Jefferson and Saline Counties, down to 50 percent as it relates to any bond levy, effective January 1, 2022. This only impacts the agricultural and horticultural land component of the property value and only for 2022 or newer school bonds. As a result, all agricultural land in the school district will be assessed at 50 percent as it relates to the 11.5 cent Bond Levy increase.See BOND, page 3

FPS Hires New Football Coach

David Mau

Related Articles

Governor Enacts Statewide Burn Ban

Groundwater Report Shows Decline in Eastern Nebraska

Fairbury Plants Trees for Arbor Day

Competing Inheritance Tax Bills Advance