Wyoming — Voters will consider Nov. 4 a request for a sinking fund, which if approved would allow the district to continue to have dollars earmarked for ongoing maintenance projects and other needs.
The 0.4595 mill, 10-year request, for 2026 to 2035, would replace the sinking fund approved in 2015 while maintaining the current millage rate. Originally approved at 0.5 mills, the rate was rolled back to 0.4595 over the years. The cost to a homeowner for a house with a market value of $200,000, or taxable value of $100,000 would be $45.95 per year.
It is one of two district proposals on the ballot.
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This year, under the existing levy, the sinking fund will collect around $600,000. Next year, under the new levy, it is expected to collect around $630,000 due to anticipated taxable value growth, said Associate Superintendent Jamie Carnes.
Among other projects, the fund will cover roof repairs, maintenance, parking lot repair maintenance, lighting upgrades and window repairs and replacements, said Superintendent Craig Hoekstra.
“The sinking fund proposal reflects our continued commitment to providing safe, functional and future-ready learning environments for our students and staff. These funds will allow us to make critical repairs to our school buildings, strengthen security measures and invest in technology that supports teaching and learning,” Hoekstra said. “It also supports the essential operations behind the scenes, such as upgrading transportation vehicles and the equipment needed to maintain them. Every piece of this plan is designed to directly or indirectly enhance the day-to-day experience of our students and the people who serve them.”
The proposal is considered a new request rather than a renewal because, traditionally, sinking funds were limited to repairs, construction and the purchase of real estate for school sites. Legislation in 2016, however, added security equipment and technology to permissible uses, and legislation in 2023 added transportation vehicles such as buses and equipment and maintenance to that list.
Money generated in 2025-26 from the existing levy will be used to support the rebuild of the transportation bus garage, which was destroyed in a fire in December.
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