A municipal election that will decide if bonds will be issued to build a new high school will take place on April 28.
If the voters approve the $78.39 million bond issue, the debt will be repaid using Auburn’s 5-mill fund, which has existed since the 1940’s, according to a city press release. The new high school will be built on a site in between East University Drive, Glenn and Samford Avenues.
A mill is the equvalient of one-tenth of one cent.
City Manager Charles Duggan said the 5-mill fund was designed to fund city projects.
“This is a fund that builds up year after year, waiting for the voters to approve an issue of bonds,” Duggan said. “(The city) is allowed to use this source of funds to pay back those bonds, so it’s not a new tax.”
Auburn voters previously rejected a 9-mill property tax increase for city schools Sept. 24, 2013, 54 percent to 46 percent.
“I think as long our citizens understand it’s not a new tax,” said Mayor Bill Ham. “That we’re taking a tax that has been collected for 50 years, and asking (the voters) to vote on its use.”
Ham said there has been extraordinary growth in the city schools over the years, and everyone who opposed the 2013 property tax he has spoken to is supportive of the new measure.
Duggan said he hopes citizens who value the school system will come out to vote.
“If people come out to vote, it’s going to overwhelming pass, but if they don’t come out to vote, you never know why someone has a reason to vote against it.” Duggan said. “They may not care about the school system, they may be in the minority of the folks who don’t believe that (Auburn) spends their tax dollars wisely.”
Duggan said he believes the new high school is a good project and one the city needs.
“I think that once people learn about the issue, it will be very easy for them vote for it.”
The deadline to register to vote is April 13.
“(The high school) needs more room because Auburn continues to grow,” said Councilwoman Lynda Tremaine.
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