North
Platte will study tax
increase for air conditioning
by Kim
Fickett
Landmark reporter
An announcement by the North Platte R-1 School Board
on Dec. 19, may cut back the number of early dismissals
due to the heat when warm Kansas City temperatures roll
around.
The inclusion of a tax levy for air conditioning in the
district's buildings that don't already have it, may be
in the 15-percent range. The levy would include electric
and maintenance costs, with the district covering the
remaining balance necessary for installation.
Dr. Francis Moran, superintendent of the North Platte
R-1 School District said, the board will continue to discuss
the matter and determine how many units to install and
at what locations. The amount of the levy increase will
be determined at the next board meeting, scheduled to
be held on Jan. 16.
The North Platte R-1 School Board also approved a revised
2002 budget. Instead of showing a surplus like previous
years, the 2002 budget shows a deficit of $15,811 due
to approximately $100,000 cuts in funds received from
the state than was originally projected. The board is
currently not showing any distress regarding the loss
due to funds in their reserve account.
Steve Wegner, 2nd District Platte County Commissioner,
talked with the board regarding a partnership between
the county, communities of northern Platte County and
the school district to help determine how funds allocated
for parks and rec will be spent.
The discussion focused around the funds received from
the county's half cent sales tax for parks. Wegner stated
he hoped to see the approximately $2 million split evenly
between the northern communities of Platte County. Further
discussion proposed dividing the funds between the North
Platte and West Platte School Districts.
The board of education passed a resolution stating, "The
North Platte R-1 School District is interested in exploring
the feasibility of partnering with Platte County to meet
current and future recreational needs of patrons in northern
Platte County."
In other action, the board continued to discuss tuition
reimbursement for on-line and distance learning classes.
While no decision has been rendered at this time, a committee
is reviewing the issue.
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