VOTE411 Voter Guide

Four-sevenths majority required.Ballot wording: Shall the Board of Education of the Wentzville R-IV School District, St. Charles, County, Missouri, borrow money in the amount of $185,000,000 for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, renovating, repairing, expanding, improving, furnishing and equipping school district sites, buildings and related facilities, including, but not limited to (1) renovating and reconstructing Heritage Elementary School, (2) renovating Holt High School and Wentzville Middle School, (3) enhancing school safety and security, (4) energy conservation measures and (5) maintenance of school facilities, and issue general obligation bonds for the payment thereof resulting in an estimated increase to the debt service property tax levy of zero cents ($0.00) per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation? If this proposition is approved, the adjusted debt service levy of the District is estimated to remain unchanged from the current debt service levy of 93.04 cents ($0.9304) per one hundred dollars of assessed valuation of real and personal property.Summary: The measure would allow the district to borrow $185 million to make capital improvements across its facilities. If passed, taxes would not increase but debt service payments would be extended to between 2046 and 2056. Projects include rebuilding of Heritage Elementary School, total renovation of Holt High School and Wentzville Middle School, the addition of storm shelters, and safety and security updates. HVAC systems, roofs, lighting, playgrounds and other facilities also would be upgraded. Proponents say the proposed building upgrades and replacements are essential and the repair and replacement projects are long overdue. They also say that while growth has slowed, enrollment increases are projected in the future and the district must maintain its facilities. Opponents say more careful budgeting is necessary to reduce costs, extended debt payment is dangerous and high property taxes are harmful to residents.