Florence residents hear about school bond issue
Marion-Florence USD 408 superintendent Lee Leiker spoke Feb. 22 to Florence residents about the upcoming building project.
The project, which will be on the April 4 election ballot, includes a new gymnasium, indoor pool, and auditorium.
The buildings will be in Marion but can be used by anyone.
"I know not many people are going to get up early and drive to Marion to walk on the indoor track," Leiker said to the 35 or so people in attendance. "But we want to let you know the facilities are there for you."
After Leiker explained how USD 408 had added both new academic programs and facility updates, he told them how the bond issue would work.
He explained the district would roll over an existing bond that will end when this one starts, and the mill levy would remain at 10.44.
He then told the patrons how USD 408 is a 32 percent state aid district, and the state would pay $3.9 million of the project.
After the bonds, $1 million in capital outlay, interest, and the state aid, the money to be voted on is roughly $6.4 million.
Some residents expressed concern over spending money on the new facilities because the current ones, such as Marion Elementary School gym, would need updated.
Leiker said the district feels it has enough in outlay to make updates to the current facilities.
Other Florentines said they were in support of the project, and felt it would benefit both the Marion and Florence communities.
Leiker ended by saying he appreciated everyone who came out, and he would respect their vote for listening to the information.
After a question and answer session, Leiker and board of education members spoke one-on-one with patrons.
