School meeting held

More than 100 people attended last Thursday’s meeting held by the Columbia School Board to discuss proposed renovations at the high school. But instead of hearing positives and negatives about the renovations, the board got an earful about property taxes in the borough.
Many of those who spoke at the two hour meeting said they didn’t want to pay more in taxes to fund the renovations.
Frank Doutrich was the first to speak about the impact the project will have on taxes. Doutrich asked the board how the project will impact the district’s debt, which he estimated at $19 million.
Laura Cowburn, the district’s assistant superintendent for business services, told Doutrich there are provisions in place that would have little impact on the debt and the state does provide funding for construction projects.
“Right now, there is no definite funding in place,” Cowburn said.
That’s because the project is still in the planning stages. The meeting focussed on two options for renovations. From that, the board will decide what to do and want not to do, depending upon the money available.
“I am concerned about the debt figures for this borough. The taxpayers need to know how you are going to pay for this,” Doutrich said.
Doutrich wondered if the district needed to make the changes detailed in the renovation plans.
“The poor people in this town can’t afford these taxes,” Doutrich said. “You (the board) needs to get more input from the public.”
Dr. Stephen Perry said he was surprised to hear about the renovations, especially after just paying his tax bill.
“Are you addressing the needs of the community and its tax ramifications?” Perry asked.
Cowburn said until the cost of the project is determined by the board, the impact might be 1.25 mills over a four to five year period.
“I don’t have time to come to all of the meetings. I understand though is you don’t have the money to buy something, it is not feasible to do. We can’t afford this study,” Perry said.
“Does the board understand the needs of the community and the hardship the taxpayers are facing. They can’t afford it,” Perry said.
Tim Swartz asked the board to take in the economic condition of the borough before deciding upon its course of action.
He said the citizens need to keep attending the board meetings and have their voices heard.
Jetty Gerfin also spoke about the impact the project will have on taxes.
“I can’t afford the taxes,” she said.

READ MORE IN NEXT WEEK'S COLUMBIA LEDGER.

Meeting is off

The Colunbia Parks and Recreation Commisison has postponed its meeting for Thursday night, to avoid a conflict with the Columbia School Board's public meeting on proposed renovations at the high school.
The decision to postpone the meeting was made late Tuesday afternoon.