Jamestown School tax levy is on ballot

A proposed tax levy for updates and improvements for the Jamestown C-1 School is on the Tuesday, Nov. 4 ballot. "Proposition C-1 Kids" asks the patrons of the Jamestown school district to approve a tax levy increase of 95 cents per each $100 of assessed valuation of real and personal property.

The 95 cent levy would put the Jamestown school tax levy a few cents below Prairie Home R-V, 20 cents below Pilot Grove school, and 30 cents below Southern Boone County R-I. The $4.60 tax levy rate will remain in effect from 2015 to 2030, at which time it will drop 40 cents to $4.20, 55 cents above the current levy rate of $3.6588.

Passage of the tax levy increase will allow the district to meet operating expenses with making updates and improvement including construction of four additional classrooms as well as furnishing and equipping them; upgrading and improving the safety and security of the school facilities; improving the gym by constructing bleachers and installing new lighting; and other improvements including high school restrooms, transportation improvements and facility maintenance. With the four additional classrooms and reconfiguration of five small classrooms into three larger classrooms, the trailers can be removed. The ADA access to classrooms will be improved as well as kitchen ventilation and storage, improve heating and air conditioning with zoning in the old gym, and renovation of the library.

Plans are to immediately use 15 cents of the tax levy to balance the budget and maintain current services. After the debt is retired, the district can build cash reserves.

The main building is nearly 75 years old. A new gym was built in the 1970s. In the 1990s, renovations included a new cafeteria, remodeled lower level and additional classrooms.

For additional information, contact Superintendent Ellen Ash at 660-849-2141.