BBS News

Northeastern Clinton capital project passes

Champlain, NY — Northeastern Clinton Central School district voters approved a $32 million capital project Tuesday.

The final vote count showed 396 in favor and 65 against.

“The district team is thrilled to see the overwhelming support from our community regarding the proposed plan especially with the messy road conditions,” Superintendent of Schools Robb Garrand said in a statement after the vote.

“Tonight, we celebrate as the future project ahead will benefit the entire school community for many years ahead.”

Among the work included in the project is construction of a centralized vestibule in the middle-high school along with vestibule upgrades at Rouses Point and Mooers Elementary schools. The middle-high school will also see the addition of two tennis courts as well as construction of a new track and turf field. The middle-high school auditorium will receive upgrades to its seating, light system and sound system.

COSTS

According to a newsletter detailing the project, the total estimated costs come to $32,767,755. However, the district qualifies for 85 percent state aid for capital project items, and 98 to 99 percent of the project’s items qualify. That means the overall cost to the district is projected to drop to $4,915,163, with the cost to taxpayers offset by $2,000,000 from the district’s general fund balance.

The remaining $2,915,163 is expected to increase the tax rate by 23 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value beginning in the 2022-2023 school year.

“Taking advantage of the state aid will allow us to do more work within an aggressive timeline, and most importantly, at a much lower cost to our taxpayers,” Garrand said Tuesday night.

The project will be financed for 15 years, meaning that a resident with a home valued at $100,000 will contribute $345 total, or $241.50 if they qualify for STAR.

The district’s timeline has construction beginning in late spring of 2021, with substantial completion by September 2023.

“The district is so excited to move ahead with our plan as we continue to focus on making our school the center of the community and to improve the conditions in which our children play, learn, and grow,” Garrand said.

 

By Ben Rowe, Night Editor
https://www.pressrepublican.com
Dec 17, 2019

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