Nicollet Public School is considering a voter referendum for an operation levy and a capital bond. The operation levy would be fore $290,000 and the capital bond $7.6 million.

NICOLLET – In July, the Nicollet School Board will vote on whether to call for a voter referendum to approve a $290,000 operation levy and a $7.6 million capital bond.

The Nicollet Community Facilities Task force recommended the proposed referendum. The task force was created to seek community input on four areas: reviewing capital needs and the level of support; reviewing budgeted proposals and the level of support; reviewing funding options for the budget proposal; and reviewing potential referendum format options and the level of support.

The task force presented its findings to the board, June 11. The presentation included a list of seven potential school projects each ranked by the level of community support.

A mechanical and electrical systems update for the school ranked highest with 78% of people surveyed ranking it as high or medium priority. A mechanical and electrical system update is estimated at $7.9 million.

The safety, security and accessibility project was ranked as the second highest priority with 67% ranking it as high or medium priority. This project was estimated at $1.5 million.

The career and technical education remodel project was third with 64% ranking it as medium or high priority. The project was estimated at $1.1 million.

The exterior maintenance, interior maintenance, bathroom and nursing improvements and daycare building addition were all ranked medium to low priority by the community.

The task force considered different financing options for high-priority projects and determined a voter referendum was the best approach.

The proposed referendum would include two questions. The first question would ask voters to approve a five-year $290,000 operational levy. The second question would be asked for a capital bond of $7.6 million. The second question would be contingent on the first question. The operational levy would need to pass for the capital bonding to be approved.

The Nicollet School Board took no action on the recommendation during the June board meeting but will be asked to vote on it July 9.

Nicollet Superintendent Robin Courrier said the July 9 meeting would include additional information from the district’s financial advisory on the tax impact of the referendum. The meeting would also include updates on the final plans for the improvements and clarify the language on the two questions in the referendum. If the referendum is approved, it will appear on the ballot this November.

The Nicollet School Board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. in the community room at Nicollet Public School.