By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

FAIRFIELD - Nearly one-fifth of the dollars from a 2-mill permanent improvement levy would pay for increased security.

A plan that outlines building by building projects the levy would pay for if approved May 6, was released this month and is expected to be voted on by the Fairfield Board of Education May 20.

"Our top priority is maintaining a safe learning environment for our students and staff while maintaining the roofs over their heads,'' said Superintendent Robert Farrell.

The plan sets aside $2.1 million for security including motion detection systems, interior and exterior cameras, upgrades to alarm system, emergency lighting and handrails.

Stairways will be enclosed at six schools.

The plan also sets aside more than $1.6 million over the levy's five-year life for roof repair and replacement at seven schools.

"Within this plan are the most urgent needs for the next five years,'' said Rob Amodio, administrative assistant for business. "Everything in here is what was recommended by architects for the Ohio School Facilities Commission, our architects who know our buildings and our principals.''

Fairfield's 10 schools represent more than 1.2 million square feet of space to maintain. Schools average 35 years old, Farrell said.

The 14-page document specifies how $12.5 million would be spent, including everything from allocations of paint to replacing rusted toilet partitions.

If approved, the levy would replace a permanent improvement levy approved by voters in 1978 and renewed in 1983, 1988, 1993 and 1998. It expires at the end of this year and brings in about $885,000 annually.

The Butler County auditor has certified the replacement levy would raise $2,566,675each of the next five years with collections beginning in January. The tax increase would be about $45.39 each year on a $100,000 house.

E-mail suek@infi.net