MONTICELLO - Residents of the Monticello school district Tuesday voted to increase school spending, approving a school referendum by more than a 2-to-1 margin.
The final total tally was 415 yes votes to 200 no. In the village of Monticello, there were 209 yes votes to 108 no.
The referendum will allow the district to exceed state-imposed revenue caps by up to $305,000 for the 2008-2009 school year; $390,000 for the 2009-2010 school year; and by $430,000 each year from the 2010-2011 through 2013-2014 school years.
The referendum will pay for operational expenses and a number of projects the district needs to address, District Administrator Karen Ballin said. These include updating textbooks and computer equipment; maintenance and repair projects for roofs, HVAC systems and flooring; and purchasing new buses.
Ballin said the referendum was necessary because state-imposed revenue caps provided insufficient money to cover the costs.
"We're just thrilled that our community has spoken and said they're behind our school," Ballin said, noting education is highly valued in the community.
Many factors came together to ensure the success of the referendum. The citizens' Vote Yes group was very active, and many people were involved in the process and asked for input, she said.
"All the ingredients added up," Ballin said. "The facts speak for themselves."
The timing of the referendum is helpful, as it gives the district the summer to begin maintenance projects. First on the list will be addressing roof repairs, textbooks and technology equipment, she said.
The tax impact of the referendum is estimated to be an additional $1.64 per $1,000 of equalized value per year.
The final total tally was 415 yes votes to 200 no. In the village of Monticello, there were 209 yes votes to 108 no.
The referendum will allow the district to exceed state-imposed revenue caps by up to $305,000 for the 2008-2009 school year; $390,000 for the 2009-2010 school year; and by $430,000 each year from the 2010-2011 through 2013-2014 school years.
The referendum will pay for operational expenses and a number of projects the district needs to address, District Administrator Karen Ballin said. These include updating textbooks and computer equipment; maintenance and repair projects for roofs, HVAC systems and flooring; and purchasing new buses.
Ballin said the referendum was necessary because state-imposed revenue caps provided insufficient money to cover the costs.
"We're just thrilled that our community has spoken and said they're behind our school," Ballin said, noting education is highly valued in the community.
Many factors came together to ensure the success of the referendum. The citizens' Vote Yes group was very active, and many people were involved in the process and asked for input, she said.
"All the ingredients added up," Ballin said. "The facts speak for themselves."
The timing of the referendum is helpful, as it gives the district the summer to begin maintenance projects. First on the list will be addressing roof repairs, textbooks and technology equipment, she said.
The tax impact of the referendum is estimated to be an additional $1.64 per $1,000 of equalized value per year.