Hillsboro seeks input on new borrowing
Staff writer
Marion isn’t the only school district seeking new projects to be paid for by new borrowing that would replace debt soon to be paid off.
Hillsboro district voters are receiving mailed surveys this week asking them to identify which school infrastructure projects they think are most needed.
Because previous borrowing would be extended, taxes would not increase. But neither would they decrease, as they otherwise might with retirement of debt they had been paying for.
Survey results will not be binding. A bond election, much like Marion’s this week, still would be needed to approve replacement borrowing. The school board will decide which projects to submit for voter approval in that election.
Marion sought to borrow $3.28 million for its new projects — locker rooms, a weight room, a concession stand, and other improvements at the district’s ball fields.
Hillsboro anticipates $14 million might be available for new projects by paying off old debt and keeping the same debt-repayment tax rate.
The district currently levies 13.707 mills for bonds and interest. On a typical house with a market value of $100,000, that’s equivalent to $157.63 a year in property taxes.
The survey asks voters’ opinions on several specific projects as well as general opinions on condition of district facilities.
Registered voters will receive paper versions in the mail this week, but the district is asking them to reply online if possible to reduce time needed for tabulating results.
District residents who are not registered voters also are being invited to reply, with each individual of voting age being asked to complete his or her own survey and submit just one survey per person.
Deadline is May 19. Completed forms may be mailed to the district office, 416 S. Date St, Hillsboro KS 67063, or dropped off at any school. The survey’s address online is https://forms.gle/sbyhsxpv9smiafgb7.
Results will be presented at a school board meeting June 12 and posted on the district’s website.