The plans and impact of Washington’s proposed new middle school were on display at an informational meeting held by the Vote Yes4Washington political action committee Monday evening. The meeting was an open house type setting with some information presented and then those attending could visit stations and meet one on one with PAC members, school board members, and school personnel to get their questions about the project. They could also view charts and pictures of the project with cost and taxing information.
Dr. Jason Omer spoke briefly saying Washington Community Schools are at capacity. He said a referendum was necessary because under Indiana law, the only source of funds for capital improvements for public schools has to come from property taxes. The current project price tag is $38 million. Omer said the cost could come in lower, depending on bids.
Group member Crystal Ostby explained the impact on the median home….
Ostby also said the market value of a home is usually higher than the assessed valuation and most residences have Homestead and Mortgage deductions which can cut the assessed value even more.
The referendum on the proposed project is on the ballot in the November 5 municipal election. Registered voters in the City of Washington and the three townships making up the Washington School System are be able to vote on the referendum.
