Residents in Valley Center and Clearwater are being asked to decide funding issues in special elections that will be held Tuesday.
In Valley Center, a mail ballot election is being held on a proposed school bond issue. The proposal would provide for $73.9 million in improvements that would include a new elementary school, an addition of 20 classrooms to the high school and a number of improvements to other school buildings.
The school district has had a surge in enrollment and its facilities can hold up to 3,400 students. The improvements under the bond issue would increase that capacity to around 4,600 students.
If approved, the bond issue would raise property taxes and a $150,000 home would see an increase of about $3.59 a month.
Ballots for the election must be returned to the Sedgwick County election office by noon on Tuesday, August 29th.
In Clearwater, residents are voting on a one-cent sales tax that would be used to fund a variety of needed improvements for streets and the city’s water and sewer system. It would also provide for safety improvements for streets, sidewalks and public spaces.
The tax would generate around $220,000 a year to maintain and improve infrastructure and services.
Early voting was held this month, but people who waited for election day Tuesday will be able to go to the Clearwater Methodist Church at 130 North 1st. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
