Both North Central and Millcreek-West Unity School Districts saw success during the May 6 elections. The North Central 1.4 mill levy gained approval with a 643 (63.16%) to 375 (36.84%) vote while the Millcreek-West Unity 0.9 mill levy gained approval by a 314 (51.31%) to 298 (48.69%) vote.
The 37 year North Central levy will raise $2.3 million to pay the balance for a new 33,000 square foot high school that will connect to the Junior High wing. The levy will cost the owner of a $100,000 properly $49 in 2015, $42 in 2016, and $35 in 2017. The estimated cost of the building is $8,760,275, of which the state will fund half. A Locally Funded Initiative will supply $816,960. The district will also be using ½ of their Permanent Improvement Fund Loan for 10 years, which will provide an additional $2 million. Additional savings in the PI fund totaling $320,395. An additional $500,000 may also be received through a private donation. Superintendent Ken Boyer expressed his gratitude towards the levy committee and the community for working to provide North Central students “a great opportunity”. Construction of the new facility is slated to begin in 2015 with a projected completion date of 2016.
The 5 year Millcreek-West Unity level will raise $57,496 to cover the maximum cost of maintaining a School Resource Officer at the school. The SRO position, currently being filled by Officer Michael Polley, was created through a joint effort between the Village of West Unity and the school district but is reliant upon the school district to cover costs. Funds raised by the levy will be used only for this purpose and are reflective of the maximum cost of filling the position. Should variables cause the cost to go down, carry over funds will be applied to the following year and millage for that tax year will be reduced accordingly. Superintendent Larry Long also notes that if Federal or State grants become available to cover these costs that the millage and collection would also be reduced or eliminated accordingly. Long also expressed his gratitude to the community and noted that the school “has a great person in a great position” and that passage of the levy is a great thing for the entire community.
The Fulton County Senior Center also saw passage of a 1.1 mill renewal levy for a purpose of maintaining senior services and facilities. The levy passed with a 3256 (62.99%) to 1913 (37.01%) vote. Additionally, voters in Gorham Township showed support by passing a 0.4 mill renewal levy for the purpose of maintaining and operating Pleasant View Union Cemetery. The levy passed with a 135 (80.36%) to 33 (19.64%) vote.
Statewide, Issue 1 also gained support, passing with approximately a 65%-35% vote statewide. Issue 1 is the renewal of a renewal of a program first authorized in 1987 and then reauthorized in 1995 and 2005. Passing of Issue 1 would authorizes the state to issue up to $1.875 billion in bonds over the next year to generate funds for public works. The Issue passed with bi-partisan support and very little public dissent.
In other election news, Montpelier native Jason Rockey saw wide support from Williams County in his bid for a seat in the 81st House District. Unfortunately, the support was not enough to overcome support given to Napoleon’s Robert McColly, who gained similar support in other counties. McColly won over Rockey in the primaries by a 6083 (61.76%) to 3765 (38.23%) vote.