BOURBON - Triton Junior/Senior High School could see upgrades begin as early as mid-October.

Triton School Board members voted unanimously at a public hearing Thursday to move ahead with a $13.85 million building renovation project.

The adopted project includes approximately $6.7 million of infrastructure that board members said is necessary to bring the school into compliance with state codes. Another $4,094,382 of the project is for new educational spaces, including three new science labs, a possible six new classrooms, a new wrestling room, a new main office and entrance and a handicapped parking area and drop-off loop. The project also includes $2,679,844 of renovation to expand the school media center, provide space for special needs, provide a centralized technology lab and bring auditorium lighting into compliance with insurance standards.

The plan does not include the new gymnasium contained in the school corporation's original $16 million proposal. The new gym was eliminated from the project after community opposition was voiced during two public forums to present the project.

Curt Pletcher, of H.J. Umbaugh & Associates, said Thursday at maximum interest rates, the total property tax impact of the project falls just short of 23 cents per $100 of value. For farm ground valued at $1,000 per acre, the tax impact would be $1.97 at current interest rates.

Approximately 100 patrons attended Thursday's hearing. Some voiced support for the project.

"To invest in our children's future, this is a small price to pay," said Marcile Lindsay.

Others expressed concern that the project will over-burden taxpayers.

"I don't know how you can conscientiously vote to lay this on the people," said John Glingle.

Frank Schaetzle said he doesn't think it is a good time, economically, for the project, but he sees the needs in the building. Schaetzle encouraged those in attendance to contact their legislators and support tax reform on the state level. Schaetzle said funding for school projects should come from a source other than property taxes.

"Let's get to a place where it's being funded by sales tax or some tax other than on property," Schaetzle said.

School board member Larry Lemler was absent from the hearing by doctor's orders. He was scheduled to undergo surgery Friday. The remaining board members voted 4-0 in favor of both a 1028 resolution and a preliminary determination resolution for the project.

The next step in the process includes creating blueprints of the project to be bid on. Matthew Mayol of Odle McGuire & Shook architecture and engineering firm said the school corporation may be able to start taking bids as early as September. Residents of the Triton school district who wish to oppose the plan must submit a petition of opposition containing 250 signatures of district landowners to the Marshall County auditor's office. If the auditor verifies the signatures, a remonstrance race would begin.

If no opposition to the plan is launched, Mayol said construction could be completed by early summer 2006. [[In-content Ad]]