School moves forward on roof repairs
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As of this writing, the board of education of School District 23 has passed a resolution during the November 2012 board meeting to go forward with a bond that will be sent out for voter approval Feb. 5. This bond will be for $2.491 million to include: 1) Finishing the remaining two-thirds of the roof replacement at a cost of $530,000; 2) Replacing the 40-year heating units with retrofitting some of the existing components at a cost of $968,000; 3) replacing the fascia and soffits where the roof connects to the building at a cost of $245,000; 4) $108,864 for abating the asbestos within the fascia; and 5) $639,136 for retro-commissioning including site supervision and contract administration, construction bonds, design services, project contingency, project overhead and sales tax.
These costs were determined by a thorough analysis conducted by Temp-Right in Missoula. Their evaluation indicated that the rooftop heating units, now 40 years old, need to be replaced, in addition to increasing the ventilation to areas of the high school where there is little fresh air — science rooms, weight room and wrestling room. In addition, there was found to be tremendous leakage of heat from the soffit areas located just below the roof. The windows were also found to leak heat, as well. However, they found that the overall physical structure of the high school is sound. The estimated cost savings in utilities as a result of these repairs will be $20,000 each year, and areas such as the auditorium and classrooms will be able to be used year-round by the community.
The term of the bond will be for 10 years, and the cost to the taxpayer is summarized below. These rates pertain to assessed value, not actual value.
• $50,000 home — $4.89 per year
• $100,000 home — $9.79per year
• $150,000 home — $14.68 per year
• $200,000 home — $19.57 per year
• $250,000 home — $24.46 per year
• $300,000 home — $29.36 per year
Ballots will be mailed out Feb. 5 with a deadline of Feb. 26 for return. To further explain the bond and the needed repairs, there will be three public meetings at the Polson High School Library to explain this bond and to answer questions community members may have. The meeting dates are Tuesday, Jan. 15; Tuesday, Jan. 29; and Thursday, Feb. 7; with each meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Again, as a community member you may be asking, “Why should I support this with my tax dollars?” There will be many benefits to the community as a result of these repairs. Homes in our community maintain their taxable value when school facilities are maintained. Additionally, we receive many calls from prospective parents regarding the quality of our schools, both academics and the facilities. Another benefit to making these repairs is to provide work for local contractors and tradesmen that will help our local economy. Community members will be able to use the PHS auditorium for community events that will now offer both heat and air conditioning due to a high-efficiency heat pump. Finally, for a small increase in tax dollars, equivalent to taking a family to a movie with popcorn, this bond will be able to provide a healthy environment for students, teachers and staff for years to come.
