SUNAPEE — School officials will make another attempt on Town Meeting Day to win voter support for a plan to would replace the aging Central Elementary School with a new school connected to Sunapee Middle High School.
Voters are being asked to approve a $25.6 million bond for the new school that would also pay for renovations to the middle high school and existing athletic fields, construction of new athletic fields and a cinder track. It would also include the purchase of 6.5 acres.
“This is a comprehensive plan to not only address the elementary school but all of the K-12 needs,” SAU 85 Superintendent Russ Holden said. “It is a great plan and will carry the district forward for many years to come.”
The tax rate impact in the first year of the 15-year bond is $1.37 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, or $343 dollars on a home assessed at $250,000.
If the bond votes fails to gain the 60% majority needed for passage, a petition article seeks the formation of a committee to study alternatives to a new school, including making the high school K-5 and offering Sunappe students school choice for grades 9-12.
Last year, a $26 million bond to renovate and add on to the elementary school needed a 60% majority but failed to come close to a simple majority.
The proposed school budget of $12.7 million is up about 0.5% this year, Holden said.
On the town warrant, the 31 articles include a $400,000 bond to design, construct and install upgrades to the town’s water treatment process, a $7.9 million budget and several zoning amendments.
There is also a $200,000 appropriation to replace the boat launch in Sunapee Harbor with the money coming from the hydroelectric revenue fund, not tax dollars.
Town Manager Donna Nashawaty said the launch is in terrible shape with holes in the cement squares and exposed rebar.
“The boat ramp is not user-friendly, and it gets a lot of use,” Nashawaty said.
If approved, the work would be done in October with the new ramp extending farther into the water.
The budget is up about $182,000, or 3.2% from this year. Other requested appropriations total $1.2 million, but only $484,000 in being raised in new tax dollars, which is on par with recent years. The remainder of the money will come from other revenue sources.
If voters pass all requested appropriations, the town tax rate is estimated to increase 21 cents to $3.79 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, or a $53 increase on a $250,000 home. Nashawaty said the tax rate increase will be less assuming the town’s grand list increases.
In the only contested races, there are three candidates for two library trustees seats and three candidates for two seats on the Planning Board
Voting on the town and school warrants is Tuesday, March 10, in the Sherburne gymnasium from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.