CHAMOIS — Chamois R-1 school board members plan to ask voters in April of 2026 to vote on a property tax levy of $.65 per $100 of assessed valuation.

L. J. Hart & Company attended the meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 12, to help board members draft a new ballot proposal and review the information collected from the last election, when the bond measure was defeated by only three votes. The ballot language must be approved and filed with Osage County by Jan. 27, 2026, to be put on the April ballot.

L. J. Hart & Company Senior Vice President Neil Branham proposed similar language for the ballot, as well as asking for the same $.65 levy. Because of a higher assessed valuation, the new proposed tax levy would generate $1,750,000 compared to last year’s estimation of $1,500,000. Branham presented an election analysis from last year, noting that they proposed keeping the language similar to last year’s, except replacing any mention of new construction or new classrooms with “HVAC improvements, and if extra funds are available, to complete other repairs and improvements for existing facilities of the district.”

Branham explained that he had tried to get additional election information from Osage County and was unsuccessful.

“We wanted to get the number of registered voters that showed up, but we had trouble getting that data from Osage County,” Branham said. “We don’t have that number to show you.”

Branham explained that they purposefully left the language vague in case there was extra money.

“If something comes in under budget, which we always hope, although it doesn’t happen often, if it does happen, you have the flexibility to spend your bond money without constraints,” Branham said.

Board President Steve Cramer asked what the other board members thought of the language of the ballot, noting that it had been a big point of discussion after the first measure failed.

“I’m still not sure about the part that reads ‘complete other repairs and improvements,’” Board Member Kelby Bush said.  “I mean, it sounds good to us, but if our voter base is tied up in the wording, maybe we need to take that out.”

Board Member Nick Schollmeyer thought that since there was no mention of new construction, which seemed to be a problem for voters last time, perhaps the wording for this proposal would not be problematic.

“Right, because the concerns we heard were that voters didn’t like it because voters thought we would spend the money on new construction,” Cramer said.

“But a lot of folks did like that last one,” said Superintendent Lyle Best. “My concern is that our needs haven’t changed, and they are not going to. If we take this off, what’s the plan for the other things we need? 56% of the voters were for it. Whether we have money for additional repairs and improvements or not, it’s important to say these needs are still here.”

“But if we don’t take it out and it doesn’t pass again, we don’t have anything,” Cramer said.

“Our number-one priority is the HVAC system,” said Board Member Chuck Lamb.

Best noted that he would like anyone who doesn’t think the district needs to make repairs and improvements to come and visit with him and walk around campus.

“The needs are there, and we have the responsibility to say we still have these needs and to encourage people to see what that is, and encourage people to participate,” Best said. “I would hope people would have enough confidence in the board to say these are the priorities once we get this passed.”

Branham encouraged the board to leave the language of the bond open-ended so the district has more flexibility with spending the money if voters approve the measure.

“We normally like to keep the ballot language vague,” Branham said.

“We’re just worried about it passing,” Lamb said. “If it doesn’t pass, we have nothing. It’s already failed once.”

“Maybe we need more word-of-mouth and more of us talking to the voters,” said Cramer.

“We didn’t miss it by many votes,” Board Member Chris Wuelling said.

Best repeated his concerns that the district had additional repairs that needed to be made, adding that, as of the day of the meeting, he knew the district needed a new intercom system.

“There are different ways to do that, and we haven’t found a good fit, but don’t be surprised if that’s $150,000,” Best said, “We would have the opportunity to use the money for that and for other things as well.”

L. J. Hart & Company Financial Analyst Connor Wood noted that the district has a very healthy average growth rate of 5.4%. The firm will use a standard 1.5% growth rate in calculations.

“When we are looking at cash flow, it’s likely you are going to be better than projected with true growth,” Branham said.

Branham and Wood outlined a plan that, if passed, would have an issue date on the bond of July 2026. The first interest payment would be scheduled for March 1, 2026, and the first principal payment would be due in March 2028.

“This is only an illustration, and it’s all very flexible dates for whenever the district needs the money,” Wood explained. “This allows the levy to take effect, and you’re able to grow your fund balance so you’re able to make your payments.”

The loan is set to be repaid in 20 years, and the district is restricted from making any extra payments or refinancing for the first five years.

Wood noted that changes to the interest rates could affect the repayment.

Best also asked Branham and Wood to review the option of a lease-purchase, with school board members noting that it would not require approval by the voters but only a majority approval of the school board members.

“Obviously, that can be an avenue if this doesn’t pass,” Branham said. “Theoretically, if the bond issue doesn’t pass, in August, you could take the rollback of $.65 and put it towards the lease-finance, and Fund #4 would be paid for out of the levy.”

Cramer asked if the recent discussions about eliminating the personal property tax would affect the tax levy even if it were passed by voters.

“That is pending legislation,” Branham explained. “Realistically, it shouldn’t affect your debt service fund, but we’re kind of hopeful it will go away. Regardless, we can only make decisions on what is happening right now.”

The school board plans to vote on the bond issue at the December meeting.

Later in the meeting, Best asked the school board members to approve a new floor covering for the gym. Best presented estimates from Hillyard ($12,313.50) and Smith Supply Company ($10,841).

“We’ve seen these new systems at some of the schools,” Best said. “Instead of just having the tarps like we do, which are fine, there is a better option.”

Best explained that the new system was made of a polyester/felt material that was lighter and easier to handle.

“It stays on the roll easier,” Best said. “It’s easier for people to put out. It takes less people to move. It lays flat. There isn’t any tripping hazard. It doesn’t make noise when you walk across it.”

Best said that they had recently seen the system at Tuscumbia, and they have seen it at several other schools in the area.

“It’s much nicer to look at,” Best continued. “When you have events and you are using your gym, and you are trying to protect the floor but also provide a nice surface to walk on, and for appearance, this is the answer. It’s easier to maintain. I think it is a good system, and I think it would be a good addition for us. The tarps are fine. They are in good shape, but when I see something that looks a little better, we try to do that.”

Principal Jeremy McKague noted that they have noticed there are marks on the floors from when the tarps are rolled out on the gym floor.

“No one is doing anything wrong; the tarps are just that heavy,” McKague said. “We didn’t notice it much on the old dark floors, but on the lighter floors it really shows up.”

Best explained that by removing two options from the higher bid submitted by Hillyard, the bids for both companies would be comparable, and his suggestion was to go with Hillyard since the school already had a relationship with the company.

“Is this something we can table and put off?” Lamb asked. “I can’t really vote on a $12,000 cover for the gym floor when I don’t know if we are going to have money for the HVAC system. I think we would be shooting ourselves in the foot to spend $12,000 right now. Doesn’t that sound kinda dumb?”

Best said that money in the Capital Improvement fund could cover the purchase.

“I know as a taxpayer, I would be pissed off if we spent $12,000 on something we didn’t need,” Lamb said. “We need heat and air. What are we doing?”

“If you don’t want it, don’t get it,” Best answered.

“It’s a great idea, but is it something we could get down the line?” Lamb asked. “It’s not setting a good precedent right now. I’m a taxpayer, and it pisses me off.”

“You are pissed off that we saw something and said this could be an improvement for our district?” Best asked. “I’m not trying to piss you off. If you don’t want it, don’t get it.”

“We’re asking people to approve a levy and then spending $12,000 on something we don’t need right now,” Lamb said. “That’s dumb.”

“I can see what you are saying, but on the other hand, we have spent a lot of money on the gym floor,” Cramer said. “That’s what the public sees when they come to the gym for Veterans Day, concerts, or a game. To me, it’s money well spent to protect the floor and have a good presentation for the school, but I understand what you are saying.”

“That tarp is working right now to protect the floors,” Lamb said. “I’m not against it, but maybe right now is not the time.”

Board members asked if the item could be tabled for next month.

“I don’t care,” Best said. “I just try to find ways to make improvements. I put it out there; if you don’t want it, don’t do it. I’m not trying to piss anyone off.”

The board decided to table the issue until the next meeting so they would have time to research the product, look at options, and think about the purchase.

Remaining business will be presented next week.