Bond for Troy Activity Center passes
By ERIKA KIRSCH Western News Editor
The election results have been counted for the Troy Activity Center and the bond passed with a 30 point majority in the elementary district and a 26 point majority in the high school district.
"We thought all along it would be close," said Troy School District Superintendent Brady Selle. "It's hard to vote yes and have taxes raise."
Voters in the elementary district cast 418 votes in favor of the activity center and 388 votes against the construction. Within the high school district, there were 547 votes for the activity center and 521 votes against the center. The majority of voters live in both districts and their bond share will be split between the elementary and high school districts.
Mail ballots were sent to 1,713 registered voters in the Troy School District on Nov. 27, with Dec. 18 being the last day to submit the mail ballots for the Troy Activity Center bond.
The school board members had a work session on Wednesday evening to discuss the next step in the project. They are also preparing bid documents and working on bid laws to "give everyone a chance to participate," Selle said.
"We're sending the plans to the architect to fine tune them," Selle added.
A Facility Use Committee will eventually be established to determine the rules for the activity center, including when the facility will be used, how it will be used and controlling the access of the facility, among other elements of the activity center.
Plans for the Troy Activity Center include a remodel of the existing auditorium and a science lab, as well as a full size gymnasium with seating for 750 individuals, a concessions area, four locker rooms, a multipurpose room, public restrooms, racquetball courts and a walking track.
Voters decided on a $1.8 million bond, with up to $900,000 coming from the elementary district and up to $900,000 from the high school district. The state share will be 43 percent of the cost of the project. The bond will sunset after 15 years. The annual tax increase for a $100,000 home will amount to approximately $35.
The new activity center will be built in the W.F. Morrison Elementary School area.
Construction will begin as early as spring 2008 and will tentatively be scheduled for completion in fall 2008.
The center will be community accessible, a varsity athletic facility, a multi-use and 50-year facility. The old gym in Troy will still be maintained and available for use.
"I'm really excited for the kids and the community," Selle noted. "Now the real work begins."