Saturday, February 19, 2000
Property tax would be higher if Monroe updates own schools
Decision to split on March 7 ballot
BY SUE KIESEWETTER
Enquirer Contributor
MONROE — Residents could face a tab of up to $24 million if officials of a new Monroe local school district decide to start from scratch on school buildings.
The cost of repairing or replacing Lemon Monroe High School is not included in a three-year budget proposed for a new district. Monroe residents will decide March 7 whether to split from Middletown/Monroe Schools.
It would take a separate bond issue of anywhere from $18 million to $24 million to rebuild and renovate the two schools Monroe would receive if it splits, said Suzi Rubin, a member of Monroe's Executive Committee.
The lower figure would pay for a new high school — the current one's old section dates to 1924 — and an addition to the elementary school. The higher figure would allow the district to start over and design a new complex, which could include other amenities such as a library.
It is estimated that it would take nearly 7 mills to raise $24 million, costing the owner of a house with a market value of $100,000 an additional $245 in taxes.
“I'm telling you it's going to cost a little bit more. ... This is something you'll be voting on,” said Jon Nerenberg, who sits on Monroe's legal committee. “The high school is crumbling. What we do for new facilities and what we spend, we'll ask you.”
Regardless whether the Middletown/Monroe Schools stay combined or separate, a bond issue to repair schools is likely in the future, said Steve Campbell, who heads the finance committee. His comments came Thursday during the first of three community forums before the vote.
About 25 residents attended.
The proposed budget for the new district is about $9.5 million with revenues of just under $11 million, Mr. Campbell said. It includes money for additional staffing and to fund all programs, sports and after-school activities currently offered to students in the combined district.
But it does assume residents will renew operating levies as they come due, the first in 2001.
Retired Monroe businessman Lloyd Larison said he doesn't believe Monroe has a strong enough tax base to support its own school system.
“We have no big industries. Don't tell me we have a tax base like Middletown,” Mr. Larison said. “The burden will fall on property owners.”
Forums are also scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, at Monroe United Methodist Church and 7 p.m. Thursday, at Countryside Village.
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