USD 389 Eureka is asking patrons to approve a multi-million-dollar bond to replace the Junior-Senior High School’s Activity Center destroyed by a tornado earlier this year.
The $7.5 million bond issue has been developed after the Activity Center was destroyed by an EF-3 tornado June 27. 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. Community members would also be able to use the facility, continuing the practice in place until the building was totaled.
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 paying off a current set of improvement bonds. 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.
Committee members will discuss proposed plans Dec. 12 at noon at the Eureka Senior Center. They will also be at Eureka First United Methodist Church at 6 pm Dec. 13. Formal town hall discussions are coming Jan. 9 and 26, both at Eureka Junior-Senior High.
Voter registration is set to close Jan. 9, and the last day to apply for a mail-in ballot is Jan. 10. Early voting goes from Jan. 14-29, with the official election Jan. 30. Construction could start in March and end in November if approved.
