Jamestown voters asked to approve levy

The increase to the operating tax levy ceiling would be 95-cents per $100 of assessed valuation, applied in December.

This is a capital facilities lease purchase tax levy increase. Unlike General Obligation bonds, the District does not issue the bonds in a capital facilities lease. Instead, proceeds from bonds sold by the bank are deposited into an account for the district to use as required by the proposition. The tax rate is fixed and is used to pay the lease purchase payments.

The last voter proposition was in November 2014 and failed by a small margin, said Superintendent Ellen Ash.

Proposed improvements include securing the lobby and main entrance foyers, installing solid classroom doors and adding a new entry system. And it would control water problems in the lower levels of the building and the exterior.

The measure would replace the current trailer with two permanent classrooms and install an elevator to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The library would be redesigned and updated and the kitchen would get a walk-in freezer and dry storage area.

The gymnasium would see improved bleachers and energy efficient lighting.

If approved, voters also would update the elementary classrooms and stairwells, renovate existing girls and boys locker rooms, and update high school restrooms.

"As to needs versus wants, everything contained in the levy proposal has been identified as a need by the long range planning committee that was started 3 years ago," Ash said.

If this measure does not pass, it could lead to closing the school.

"What we do know is that we cannot continue to run in a deficit budget, which is due in large part to our continued need for buses," Ash said. "Eventually, if more revenue is not received and we continue to use up our reserves, we will have to close our building. We are working hard to see that does not happen. Our needs are not going away."

For more information, visit [email protected] or call (660) 849-2141.

On the web: www.dese.mo.gov