CCS district voters asked to approve two bonding proposals totaling $67 million on Tuesday

COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Voters in the Coldwater Community School District will be asked to approve two bonding questions during Tuesday’s election that would fund an expansion of Coldwater High School as well as renovations to the nearly 65-year-old building.

The first proposal would be for a $50 million bond to finance a 20,000 square foot expansion which would include adding a second story.

Coldwater School Superintendent Terry Ann Whelan said during a Coldwater School Board meeting in July the work would be done in stages and there would no additional millage for taxpayers.

The second proposal would be for a $17 million bond plus a point-39 mill increase for a 950 seat auditorium at the high school. In one of the videos posted by the district in an effort to pass the two proposals, Principal Bill Milnes said the auditorium proposal would have little financial impact on taxpayers.

Voters turned down a proposal in 2015 of six-tenths of a mill for 20-years that would have generated over $10 million for the construction of a 900 seat auditorium.

The proposals are facing opposition from those who have taken to social media to say they are being overtaxed by the new Lakeland Elementary School, the new 911 Communications System, B.A.T.A. bussing and the new Branch County Jail. A group called “Citizens Against More Taxes” took out two ads in the Shopper’s Guide last week urging a no vote saying inflation rates are soaring, they are taxed to the hilt and Coldwater Community School District officials don’t care.

District officials say the $50 million bond proposal would have to pass in order for the second proposal to take place.

Coldwater High School underwent an expansion in the mid 1990’s after voters approved a $12.6 million renovation and expansion. Ten new classrooms, a cafetorium, and a gymnasium were added. Extensive renovation also took place and nearly $1 million was spent on providing up-to-date technology.