To the editor:
If you were to consider building a new home I believe there would be certain things you would investigate beforehand. I know I would start with a look into my finances. I’d review my bank accounts and assess how much money I have. Do I have enough to hire an architect? Or, more importantly, do I have enough for a down payment along with a larger percentage to cover at least a portion of the overall project? These are valid questions that I would expect any lender to ask. I would not expect a lender to give me a loan without this information.
Let’s liken this to the current BGCS new high school levy. They are asking the community ( the lender so to speak) to fund a new building for 72.8 million without first divulging how much they have in the bank. Public record requests have been made at BGCS central administration as well as the state, to no avail. Since it remains a mystery, it leads one to wonder if perhaps they already have the means to fund a new building.
We do know that the Rover Pipeline brings in 3.5 million annually. ( as stated at the school board meeting on 10/17/23) . “The pipeline money could potentially fund the high school projects….with no additional cost to the taxpayers.” Cathy Schuller said ( Sentinel 3/16/22).
Surrounding districts have been using the Pipeline money as they see fit. Additionally, school property tax revenues total $21,108,277 with a school property tax budget of $19,064,368, or a SURPLUS of $2,043,909. A state budget increase in 2027 will total about 2 million annually. Furthermore, a conservative 30% new tax assessment evaluation should bring in at least 6 million. These figures could total as high as 13 million annually. It certainly appears that BGCS could fund a building without asking for 72.8 million.
Until we have a more transparent look at the districts finances, and a more reasonable plan, please VOTE NO.
Brenda Pike
Bowling Green
