Marcellus voters head to polls Nov. 15 to consider capital project increase
On Tuesday, Nov. 15, Marcellus Central School District residents will have an opportunity to vote on a referendum that asks if the district should be permitted to spend additional funds to complete the capital project approved by voters in March 2015.
The proposal would authorize the district to utilize money that is currently available in reserves to cover the cost of the local share of the increase.
Polls are open noon to 9 p.m. in Groeling Auditorium at Marcellus High School, 1 Mustang Hill, Marcellus, New York 13108.
Marcellus residents approved a capital project expenditure of $14,844,078 on March 10, 2015. After construction bids for the originally scoped project came in 25 percent over budget in May 2016, however, the Board of Education determined an additional $2,689,404 would be needed. The board of education rejected the bids, replaced the lead architect on the project and drafted a revised plan that trims some scope and costs but retains the essence of the original project: to upgrade the high school’s instructional spaces for 21st century learning.
District officials expect the proposed expenditure increase will have zero additional impact on the local tax levy, because state building aid will cover 82.3 percent of the cost and the district has the remaining 17.7 percent (approximately $520,292) available in reserve funds.
If voters approve the proposition, the district expects to: request bid proposals later this month; open bids in January 2017 and make selections in February; and begin construction in June 2017 and complete it in early 2019.
If voters do not approve the proposition: the BOE will go back to the drawing board and evaluate what work can be accomplished within the original $14.8 million budget (approved by voters in March 2015); submit new plans to the New York State Education Department for review in early February; and begin construction no sooner than June 2018.
For more information about the capital project, including articles, slideshows and videos, check out the Capital Project News page on the district website
