To the editor:
We taxpayers have the opportunity to vote on the upcoming FM school facilities proposal on December 5. We just put up a new firehouse for $11 million. Now we have a say in whether we wish to spend an additional $45.2 million. Plus we just approved a $9.4 million project for the district in 2013 which we are currently paying for.
Also, there are some serious questions about this being proposed by the present FM school board and its administration. Our superintendent proposed a facilities referendum when he was at Marcellus a few years ago. The taxpayers voted it down as being too extravagant. When a more reasonable proposal passed, Dr. Tice had underestimated by almost 20 percent. An additional $2.7 million had to be voted on by the taxpayers. This was reported in the Auburn Press after Dr. Tice had left Marcellus for FM. A 20 percent underestimate of $42.5 million will bring us close to an additional $10 million. It concerns me that it is Dr. Trice who is overseeing this proposal.
The FM News stated last week, “The Wellwood portion of the project would require more planning.” Is this $42 million accurate?
Another concern is the behavior of FM board members who accused a parent of assault with a paper envelope; a huge waste of time and money on a trial finding the parent innocent of the charge. Simply irresponsible.
I suggest waiting for leaders with a better track record and who prove to be more trustworthy before approving such a large undertaking. Dr. Tice’s contract is up soon and May has three new school board positions opening. Let’s wait before voting on this proposal backing such an enormous amount of taxpayer money for an incomplete plan promoted by people who may not be in office.
John L. Ryon
Manlius
