Renovation project pushed back
BY ALYSSA MEIER
Editor
Following some back and forth discussion and a couple of failed motions on the matter, the Washburn School Board agreed on a smaller building fund levy that means shelving the school’s renovation project for a year.
After having some time to mull feedback given at last month’s public hearing, the Washburn School Board reassembled on Oct. 8, with one major agenda item to tackle.
The school had proposed an additional 18 mills for the 2020 levy, with 17 of those in the building fund, which would be used to pay for a proposed school renovation. The $3.5 million renovation includes installing an elevator to make stair-access-only areas of the school handicap accessible and creating a secure entrance point.
A public hearing in September brought together close to 50 residents, who largely supported the idea of the project but expressed concerns about the impact on taxpayers.
Superintendent Brad Rinas presented some information to the board during last week’s meeting, including figures on projected construction costs if the project were delayed by one year or by two.
“This isn’t intended to correspond with any recommendations necessarily, but I got this today,” Rinas said.
