Othello School District considers bonds sale

OTHELLO — The Othello School District could bring a bonds proposal before voters on March 13.

District Superintendent George Juarez said administrators believe they are eligible for matching funds from the state to help cover a remodel at McFarland Junior High School and some of the elementary schools. If the district is eligible for matching funds, Juarez plans to recommend the school board bring a bonds proposal to voters.

The proposal would include additional space and a remodel of facilities, Juarez said. He already knows the district qualifies for a state match of approximately 50,000 square-feet in additional space, he said.

A recommendation to the board in January would include specific projects and the cost of the bonds sale, both unknown details at this time.

According to the Adams County Treasurer's Office, the Othello School District last took out a bond in 1997. Of the $3.9 million sale, $1.68 million is left of the refunded portion, to be paid off in 2016. About $1 million of the refunded portion of a 1994 bond remains, to be paid off in 2008.

The collection rate to taxpayers in 2006 was $1.01 per $1,000 assessed home value for the bonds, according to the Adams County Assessors Office. The collection rate for a maintenance and operations levy was $2.77.