Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, May 4, 1995 TAG: 9505040064
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: W-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: STEWART MACINNIS SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD NEWS
DATELINE: NEW CASTLE LENGTH: Medium
Supervisor John M. Lee said the board is facing the need to raise the county's real- estate tax rate by 8 cents just to balance next year's budget. The rate is now 58 cents per $100 valuation.
"The only question is money," said Chairman Zane M. Jones in echoing Lee's reservations. "We realize the need for [the expansion], but we're having to cut every department as it is."
The county school board's facility committee presented a proposal for a $2.7 million, two-phase expansion project to the supervisors for the first time Monday, even though the supervisors have been expecting it.
School Superintendent Dallas Helems said the expansion program is necessary to ease overcrowding, especially in the elementary school.
The first phase would add classroom space at the elementary school and a larger library and cafeteria for the entire complex. The second phase would create a new middle school building, eliminating the need for temporary classrooms.
He said the first phase of the project would be enough to meet the complex's immediate needs and could be funded by a loan from the state literary fund, where Craig would qualify with a 3 percent interest rate.
Before a loan application can be made, however, Helems said, the county must prepare detailed plans for the renovations and the new structures. The plans for the first phase are expected to cost about $70,000, which must be paid for by the county.
James Cady, chairman of the school board, said the soonest the first phase could be completed would be in two or three years.
by CNB