Schools May Ask 7.67 Mills In 2 Levies

A two-pronged millage election consisting of a 6.67-mill renewal for operations plus one mili for building and equipment renovation and improvements was discussed by the Ann Arbor Board of Education Wednesday night. The board is scheduled to make a decisión on what will be on the Nov. 19 ballot next Wednesday at a special meeting beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Ann Arbor Public Library. A majority of board members indicati ed last night they will support both issues. The only question remains how the ' request for funds for renovatiohs and improvements of buildings, sites and equipment will be presented to voters: as a one-mill levy for five years or as authorization to sell bonds totaling $4.8 million. Board members instructed the administration to prepare a comparison of income which would be received by the millage levy or by selling bonds. In making his recommendation to use a one-mill levy for five years totaling approximately $4.75 million, Supt. Harry Howard said the school district has an investment of approximately $91 million in buildings and equipments. "Many of the essential repairs and renovations to our buildings and renewing and updating of equipment have been I delayed for years. Further delay will crease the 'ültimate costs of mainiainiiig our capital investment as well as further support," Howard said. ín his recommendation, Howard reported the use of millage rather than a 15 to 20 year bond issue will save the community significant money on interest payments. Adrriinistrators have identified some $4.8 million in needs over the next five years, Howard said, including $200,000 for architecturál fees and a $200,000 contingency fund. If estimates of needs are in error or the tax base grows at a f aster rate than predicted, Howard said the total one mili, might not have to be levied the last year. He cautioned against using that possibility as a selling point for the millage. If money for renovations and improvements of buildings and equipment is áp-! proved by voters, Howard said the admin istration plans to review needs every year and establish priorities. He said about 65 of Michigan's more than 600 school districts now use separate millages or bonds to pay for renovations and improvements of school property. More Michigan schools will use separate millages for upkeep of equipment and buildings, Howard predicted, as school districts face increasing financial constraints. Howard said passage of the one-mill levy or bond issue is vital for the survival of a good program in the Ann Arbor schooldistrict. At least one trustee, Paul Weinhold, was concerned one mili might not be enough to do the work. He said he might be in favor of asking for more than one mili for a good educational program and buildings. "We've tended to be a little stingy. You can't get it for nothing," he said. However, Trustee Terry Martin expressed reservations about asking taxpayers for more money. Mrs. Martin said Ann Arbor taxpayers pay more than 60 milis in school, county, city, community college and Intermedíate School District taxes, one of the highest tax rates in the state. She questioned if citizens are getting all they should f rom the school district. "I don't believe the public is sold on the idea that more money means better education," Mrs. Martin said. Howard countered: "The public is sophisticatèd enough to know letting buildings go is not economically sound. " If voters approve the extra one-mill levy and the 6.63-mill renewal, taxpayers will pay 33.55 milis for operating the schools. The current operating budget is based on 32.55 milis. Taxpayers are also paying .74 of a mili of a possible one-mill levy to support the public library, which was approved in June and 4.67 milis for debt retirement. Trustee Theodore Heusel reminded board members Ann Arbor school district has been operating since 1967 with a millage rate of 32.55 milis. Revenues have increased because of a growing tax base. If voters reject the five-year 6.67-mill renewal, which expires in December, the school district will lose approximately $5 million. The current budget is $26.2 milJion.