One thing that was not talked about a lot during the school bond referendum campaign, was the economic impact the bond issue would have.
Our taxes are going up, but they are going up to pay for something we will actually be able to see. It is for "bricks and mortar," not just government stuff.
Look at the other side of the equation.
$35 million is going to be spent locally over the next 2-3 years. There will be some turnover too. People who are being paid this money will spend at least some of it here in restaurants, gas stations and other places.
Some local construction companies will get some of the money. Out of town companies will be spending at least some money here.
It will be good for our local economy.
Just imagine if we had a Lowe's for them to get their supplies.
I wonder if the people who were against the Lowe's project were also against the bond referendum. Interesting to think about. But we do need to move forward. We need progress.
Nothing will change until attitudes change.
Maybe this is a step in the right direction.
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Do you think that any significant amount of revenue will be returned to the city by way of expenditures by the "big" contractors?
Any contractor who bids this job will already have his suppliers on line, and the largest part of his employes already on payroll.
What about over runs, time deadlines,performance bonds.
There will be some trickle down, but you can bet if the local suppliers, and contractors don't cut their profit margins to the bottom line, they will get little or no support from the general contractor.
This is where the city commission and the school board need to get together and give a real good look at ALL the bids, and read ALL the fine print, give ALL the bids two or three looks, and then go with the one who will support our local economy the most, and still be able to get the job done, done right and done on time. May not be the cheapest, but cheapest is not always the best.
dddfan
I think that a citizens group could be established to work along side our school board members, to preview, review, and report to the citizenry the actual progress of the bond issue, and the contracts to build the school.
I don't think that just because we voted to do the bond, that the issue should be dropped in the lap of the superintedant, and the school booard, without some accountability to the citizens.
Don't jump off a cliff, I am not saying that all is not on the up and up.
I am saying that though the meetings are public, work sessions are not. Not all things get passed on and then some that are, are not done in context.
While school board members are working hard to serve us, they are also working at other jobs and carrers, and have families to raise as we do.
My thoughts are for this project alone, and not for the day to day operations of the board.
dddfan
The "city" really isnt involved in this one.
One thing that will help is that the people working on the projects will be spending some money here. That should help the general economy.
A citizens committee sounds like an interesting idea.
There will be lots of bids, lots of different people involved.
You might approach the school board and see what happens.
I will tell you that the city appears - to me at least - to be more open than the school board. But I have not ever covered the school board, so that might be part of it.
I don't know if this is the right area to address this, but I have a question regarding the renovation and construction addressed in the bond issue. Maybe Dr. Snell could accurately address this.
Is the school system bound to make the improvements exactly as stated in the presentations or can they change their mind about some of the things? Example, what if they decided to build a new IXL in the south part of town. Can they do this?
Example, what if they decided to build a new IXL in the south part of town. Can they do this?
Good question.
I kind of think they could change their mind, but it would be dirty pool to do so, without a general consensus from the public.
Im sure there will be minor changes, but ... i really dont think they are legally bound to stick with it.
But thats just opinion, Ill see if I can find out.
In response to the johnny on the use of bond proceeds --
The use of those funds and the interest earned on them is limited to the stated purpose(s) on the ballot.
That does not mean, in my estimation, that the district could not pull the plug on a redone IXL which was opposed not only by the township voters where the school is located but also by the southwest quadrant of town whose children attend IXL.
It would be worth a look at the annual transportation costs to IXL as well as the possible impact of an in town school on revitalization of a section of Ark City.
Mr. Stienmetze who states that we should consider that the population may shift in 20 years, ergo dump the money into IXL. I have news, it has shifted - to town.
be interesting to see what would happen if some people approached the school board about that idea.
we would do a story if someone will go do it.
James is right, the city has no play here and that may well be a blessing.
I find it interesting that appointing a committee to do any number of things seems to be a hot button for the commission, but the 'Big Box,' they could handle on their own with no personal prejudices involved and certainly no unbiased public input!!
Hoping for a great windfall for AC from remote contractors? You are right, there will be some benefit, but it will not be a great portion of the issue..
James, why do you expect some other person to pose the questions so you can report on it. Ask yourself if it is of any importance.
My years in public administration taught be that those with gladiators like to fight, hence to be wary of those seeking the same.
why do you expect some other person to pose the questions so you can report on it.
I was expecting others to ASK FOR something :)
Im just trying to encourage public involvement.
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