Early voting begins in the Batesville School District (see map below) on Tuesday for the election concerning an increase in personal property and real estate property taxes to pay for a bond issue.
The Batesville School Board had asked for a millage increase sufficient to pay for a bond issue in the principal amount of $71.2 million.
It was originally planned for a Spring 2020 vote, but it was postponed due to the pandemic. During that time the “Secure Our Future” committee, the group that led the building and refurbishing project, reworked the plan and lowered the original principal amount to $49.5 million.
The millage increase total dropped from 8.4 mills to 5.95 mills.
The project would add classrooms and safety features as well as aid in constructing, refurbishing, remodeling, and equipping other school facilities. It would also include the addition of six storm shelters for the campuses.
If the tax for repaying the bond is approved by registered district voters, the school district is requesting the bonds to be issued as soon as possible.
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Early voting, starting on Tuesday, Sept. 7, will be held at the Batesville Community Center, located at 1420 20th St.
Election Day is Sept. 14 and voting sites will be at:
- Desha Fire Department
- Cushman Community Center
- Moorefield Community Building
- Sulphur Rock City Hall
- Believers Community Church
- Batesville Community Center
- Eagle Mtn. Elementary
- Sulphur Rock Elementary
- Batesville Preschool
- West Elementary
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