Oran voters to decide on $1.035 million, no-tax-hike bond issue

ORAN, Mo. -- Signs with the words "Vote Yes for Proposition K.I.D.S." and accented with Oran Eagle school colors of blue and yellow are visible in yards throughout the Oran School District.

On April 4, its voters will be asked to approve a $1,035,000 bond issue for the purpose of paying off a lease purchase three years early and making needed improvements in the district, said Oran superintendent Blane Keel.

The bond issue will not require a tax increase.

With the funds, the district will first pay off the lease purchase on the library complex, which is $395,000.

This would free up $110,000 from the district's annual budget that can be used to overcome deficit spending and any shortfall from state funding.

"The biggest thing is our need to pay off a pre-existing lease purchase for the library because of the potential cuts in state funding that are headed toward schools in the next couple years," Keel said.

"Currently, the district pays $110,000 a year to make a payment on that lease. By passing this bond issue, it would shift that burden to our debt service fund, and property taxes would pay the lease off rather than coming out of money from the state," he said.

The remaining $605,000 would be used for other projects selected by the school board.

Needs include addressing the air-conditioning units in the gymnasium, kitchen area and cafeteria, Keel said.

"They're very old, inefficient and don't cool very well. We'd like to upgrade those. The heating and cooling units in the cafeteria and kitchen are constantly in need of maintenance and repair. We'd like to replace those if possible," he said.

The library roof also needs repair/replacement.

"We're hoping to repair it so we don't have to spend as much money. We want to do preventative work on it in order to save money for the taxpayers in the future and for this school," Keel said.

Projects include installing new gym bleachers with hand rails in the high-school gymnasium. The existing bleachers are more than 30 years old.

A lighting project that includes a changeover to LED and solar projects in the high-school lobby area are part of the district's plans if the bond issue passes.

The current bond levy is 85 cents, which generates about $177,000 annually, according to the prior year's collection rate.

The levy would not change to pay off the new bonds, which is why it is a no-tax increase issue, Keel explained.

The new bonds would be paid off in 15 years.

Keel said a steering committee recently formed to inform the public about the issue. Serving as steering committee chairwoman is Laurie Romas, and vice chairman is Garrett Cook. Treasurer is Carrie Massey.

Coming off a historic boys and girls basketball visit to the state finals -- and a state championship by the boys team -- the Oran pride is visible, Keel said.

And it's important to remember every vote counts, the superintendent said.

A 58 percent majority of voter approval is required for the measure to pass.

"We won't have any other issues on the ballot; this is the only issue on the ballot in our school district," Keel said. "We still need people to turn out and vote."

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. April 4.