Early voting begins Monday for patrons of USD 389 Eureka as they decide whether to approve a bond to renovate the junior-senior high school’s activity center.
A $7.5 million bond issue has been developed to rebuild the Activity Center, which was destroyed by an EF-3 tornado June 26. This would mean two basketball courts instead of one, activity center, restrooms and locker rooms. This would also mean the move of Eureka Junior-Senior High’s administration offices to the west entrance.
Early voting will end Jan. 29, with the formal election Jan. 30.
Bonds would be financed over 20 years. The district says there will be no impact on its mil levy if this is passed because the district is currently paying off an improvement bond. Under the current school finance formula, the state would fund 24 percent of all principal and interest — or over $2.7 million — because these funds have already been committed by the state to USD 389. If the bond fails, additional bond initiatives would need state approval and be subject to a statewide bond issue dollar cap.
The bond does not address renovations to McGinnis Field, Eureka High’s football field that was heavily damaged in the twister. Plans have developed for a new concessions building, expanded and new 8-lane track, new grass field with new irrigation system, new bleachers with the home side on the west side instead of the east, and a new press box. Those renovations would tap insurance renovations and capital outlay. Current law allows state funding for gymnasiums but not for football fields.
