Mitchell Community Schools Conducts Preliminary Hearing On Capital Improvement Projects

(MITCHELL) – The Mitchell Community School Board conducted a preliminary hearing on a proposed $17,035,000 Capital Improvement project for the school corporation Monday evening.

Mitchell Community School Board of Trustee listen about a proposed $17 Million Capital Improvement Project

Dr. Brent Comer stated there will be several needs that will be addressed in this project, but also the corporation will be able to address some wants including new turf for the football, baseball, and softball fields.

Some safety concerns will also be addressed in these projects including the pick-up and drop off at Burris and Hatfield Elementary Schools.

The construction of an Auxiliary gym for the Mitchell Junior High School Students will prevent the need for those students to have to cross the roads on a daily basis for gym classes.

The timing of the project will also allow the corporation to take advantage of low interest rates. The payoff for the project is expected between 9-12 years.

The $17 Million dollar Capital Improvement Project will not increase taxes.

The total amount of the capital project is estimated at $17,035,000. The hard cost for the project is estimated at $15,036,500, and other soft costs of $936,000 such as permits, and engineering fees. Interest on the project is expected at $717,916.67 for about 12 years of the bonds issuance.

Trustee fees and bond financing is expected at $317,583.34

Damian Maggos of Raymond James explains the costs of financing the project and when the payoff of the bonds will be.

List of proposed projects:

High and Middle School

  • Auxiallary Gym/ Concessions – $5,000,000
  • Contingency – $250,000
  • A/E Fees – $320,000

Elementary School

  • Traffic Improvements – $1,100,000
  • Roofing – $1,022,000
  • Contingency – $200,000
  • A/E Fees – $145,000

Athletics

  • Practice Facility – $1,100,000
  • Turf Football Field – $850,000
  • Infield Turf Baseball/Softball (include drainage and irriagation) – $1,500,000

Administration

  • Maintenance Building – $ 1,000,000
  • Demolition – $95,000
  • A/E Fees – $69,000

Junior/Senior High Roofing

  • Roofing – $765,000
  • Contingency – $70,000
  • A/E Fees – $52,000

HVAC/Chiller Replacement/Energy Upgrades

  • HVAC/ Chiller Replacement/ Energy Upgrades – $100,000
  • Contingency – $ 100,000
  • A/E Fees – $68,000

STEAM/Lab Renovations

  • STEAM/Lab Renovations – $584,500
  • Contingency – $50,000
  • A/E Fees – $47,000

The Mitchell Community School Supt. Brent Comer, along with the Mitchell School Board, wants to clearly emphasize that no tax increases to the local taxpayers by executing these projects will take place.

The Board President Chris Shaw and Superintendent Brent Comer want the public to be informed and transparent as they proceed with the projects.

No one from the public spoke for or against the project during the public comment period. The next preliminary hearing on the project will be on January 18th. The public will also be allowed to speak for or against the proposed project at that time.