Money would be used for repairs at Buchanan schools

BUCHANAN, Mich. — Voters in the Buchanan Community School district will be asked to consider a proposal during Tuesday’s election that would renew a tax levy for the school’s building and site sinking fund.

The current millage rate, which would be renewed for a period of 10 years, is eight-tenths of a mill on all property within the school district.

Buchanan Supt. Andrea van der Laan said that means a property with a taxable valuation of $100,000 would pay about $80 a year.

The sinking fund, which is used for the construction and repair of school

buildings, would receive about $210,000 from the levy in 2015.

“It’s how we repair roofs, boilers and things that break down in the district,” said van der Laan.

The levy is set to expire at the end of the year.

Van der Laan reminded residents that the proposal is a renewal, meaning it wouldn’t increase taxes.

She said renewing the millage is extremely important.

“I have a roof that needs to be replaced at the high school and there is no money for it,” she said. “If I take it out of the general fund I have to take it away from the kids at some point.”

Other items needing repair include the roof at Moccasin Elementary and the steps at the football stadium.

If the proposal doesn’t pass, van der Laan said it could be placed on the ballot again before the end of the year.