Cuyahoga County voters have given their approval to the Beachwood Schools' 3.95-mill bond issue, according to unofficial results from the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. The move will generate $65 million in funding for new elementary school buildings at Bryden and Hilltop's current sites as well as renovations for the Fairmount Early Childhood Center.
Beachwood School District Superintendent Dr. Robert Hardis expressed gratitude towards residents: "We are grateful for our community's support in approving this bond issue, which will significantly improve educational facilities for our students."
The 37-year bond issue carries an annual cost of $138.25 per every $100,000 of a home's appraised value by the county auditor. By maintaining a flat tax rate through its property tax partnership with local businesses, residents won't experience any increases in taxation.
In order to involve community members in the project planning process, a series of input sessions involving city officials, staff and residents is set to take place over the next few months.
Meanwhile in Michigan on Tuesday night, voters approved a $12.6 million bond proposal aimed at constructing a new fire and rescue station located near Grand Haven Township's existing facility at 13250 168th Ave.
Grand Haven Township Supervisor Mark Reenders praised voters' decision: "This investment is critical not only for keeping our firefighters safe but also for meeting growing demands as our township develops."
Utilizing modernized infrastructure designed specifically to protect firefighter health and safety while accommodating larger training facilities amidst township growth was deemed necessary after reviewing other options such as expanding or renovating existing stations with improved heating/cooling systems or installing better ventilation.
To pay off this debt within two decades requires an average annual millage increase of 0.77 mills—a financial commitment that Grand Haven Township residents have demonstrated they are willing to make in order to ensure the safety and well-being of their local firefighters.