Middle School Bond Issue Going on March Ballot

The $32 million bond issue to build a new Avon Middle School will be on the March primary ballot after the approved it at a special meeting Wednesday at .

The by less than 200 votes -- 3,903 to 3,726 -- in the Nov. 8 election. Ohio's primary election is March 6, 2012. In order to be on that ballot, the bond issue must be filed with the Lorain County Board of Elections by Dec. 7.

The bond issue would cost homeowners an additional $38.29 per year for every $100,000 in home valuation.

Some residents who came to the meeting were angry that there was no opportunity for public comment or discussion before the vote.

Former superintendent Bob Barnhardt said after the vote and before the board went into executive session that treasurer Kent Zeman had "misled" him in an earlier phone conversation about the chance to speak at the meeting.

"I had a presentation ready hoping to influence the decision," he said to Zeman. "You knew I was here for this purpose."

Zeman said that there is no requirement to have public discussion at a special meeting.

Resident Tony Manning expressed frustration after leaving the meeting.

"They're asking for $32 million over 32 years," he said. "But they're making decisions for us and we didn't get a voice here. If we need to build a school, fine, give us the information."

Manning said he felt the case had not been made for building a new school instead of renovating existing buildings.

"We don't need Taj Mahals," he said.

Two renewal levies were combined into one to also be put up for a vote in March. One is set to expire in 2012, one in 2013. Zeman said the two together will be for $2.5 million at 3.21 mills, with no cost increase. The levy would be for 10 years.

"This will help alleviate some voter fatigue," Zeman said. If this renewal passes, he said, no renewal levies are expected to be on the ballot in 2013.