Tri-Rivers Career Center has placed a 1 mill Permanent Improvement Levy on the March 4 ballot, according to the Career Center’s Superintendent Chuck Speelman. He said the levy is designed to provide funds for maintenance and retooling of the Career Center.

“We only have a short time frame to pass this levy, if we want to take advantage of the Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) funds. For every dollar ($1) we spend on these upgrades, the state will provide Tri-Rivers with three dollars ($3) through the OSFC program. That means 75% of the costs will be paid by the State,” explained Speelman.

He emphasized that the Permanent Improvement Monies cannot be used for staff salaries or benefits. He also said that with the passage of this permanent improvement levy, Tri-Rivers will not be back on the ballot for additional funds for the next 10 years, if state funding stays the same. “We will need the renewal of our current levies, but won’t need to pass a levy for additional funding if this 1 mill permanent improvement levy passes.”

Speelman said the levy is needed to make necessary upgrades, such as safety issues in labs, updating old equipment, adding sprinkler systems, updating security, replacing aging heating & cooling systems, improving the electrical system, and updating technology in all of the career-tech labs and learning areas.
The yearly cost for the owner of a $50,000 home is $15.32 per year or $1.28 per month. For a $75,000 home the yearly cost is $22.97 or $1.91 per month. For a $100,000 home the yearly cost is $30.63 or $2.55.

He encourages people to contact him if they questions, or to attend or host a Neighborhood Meeting. For information on Neighborhood Meetings call 740-389-4681, Ext. 123. Neighborhood meetings can be scheduled in your home or a public meeting place.

Mount Gilead High School is hosting a meeting in their Auditoria Wednesday, February 13 at 7 p.m.