A building four decades old will get renovated both externally and internally if the levy passes in November.Apollo school board unanimously passed two resolutions. One to certify maturity of bonds and the other declaring the necessity of bond issue and tax levies. Now they move forward in asking voters to pass a one mill levy that will bring the school 21st century technology.
A building four decades old will get renovated both externally and internally if the levy passes in November. According Bruce Miller with Garmin Miller Architects and Engineers it will take 1976 technology to what it needs to be today and tomorrow. Miller said "it brings the whole tech area for this region up to a different level so as these kids leave they have a good opportunity to get a good start in life."
It's not just technology but the infrastructure of the building as well. Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC of the building is out of date which has facility manager Roy Gillespie concerned. They even have an electrical system that has been discontinued. "The manufacturer is no longer in business. We can no longer get parts for those types of systems so we have a difficult time doing any kind of preventative maintenance when you can't get parts." said Gillespie
This project is estimated to cost almost $53 million with the state paying almost have of that. Interest rates have been low for a couple of years which can save residents money. Right now the bond interest rate is at 3.9%. Apollo school board treasurer, Greg Bukowski, said "the difference between 5% and 3.9% is $7 million is what Baird advised us today and so it saves the tax payers $7 million over the 30 years." Bukowski went on to say the one mill levy can be broken down into three parts; the Ohio Schools Facility Commission project, preparing Apollo for the future with additions, and a maintenance levy. The renovations and upgrades will now be in the hands of voters in November.
