1-percent sales tax for schools passes by 61-percent
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Much of the conversation surrounding election returns at the Saline County Courthouse Tuesday night centered around the 1-percent sales tax to benefit school construction and maintenance which passed by a 61-percent vote.
Of voters, 2,194 voted for the tax and 1,365 voted against it.
Harrisburg Superintendent Dennis Smith was in a school board meeting when he received the news and said he was surprised.
"I had a lot of confidence until today. I had a couple people talk me into thinking it was not going to be so successful," Smith said in a phone call following the school board meeting.
He said the board, seemingly plagued by negative news in recent months, was able to end the meeting in an atmosphere of optimism for the future.
"There is a feeling this is something positive we can start working towards as far as getting our high school situation across," Smith said.
Damage to businesses caused by the Feb. 29 tornado may have altered the scenario, but Smith said estimates prior to the damage indicated the district would receive about $900,000 a year. With that annual income the district could borrow $15 million for the replacement of the C building.
"We are not going to be in any hurry to rush anything here and there will be no attempt at A or B building," Smith said.
"But I think the board will replace C building and the board is going to attempt to build something that will blend nicely."
Smith anticipates any construction may not happen for another year.
"I'm sure we are a year away from seeing any kind of activity in the building, but it's nice to have something to look forward to," Smith said.
Eldorado Superintendent Gary Siebert said he will be glad to let Eldorado district property taxpayers know their support of the sales tax will result in cheaper property tax.
"I think the property owners and taxpayers of Saline County are pleased with this result and with Eldorado we will definitely be able to abate taxes," Siebert said.
Eldorado has no building projects in the near future, but Eldorado's share of the sales tax -- over $500,000 -- will allow it to pay off existing bonds currently being paid with property taxes.
Incumbent Saline County Board candidate Bob Oglesby indicated he was more excited with the sales tax issue than any other issue.
"The most exciting thing is the sales tax for schools," Ogelsby said.
Incumbent Saline County Board candidate and Carrier Mills-Stonefort Board of Education member Georgia Cowger said she was watching the sales tax issue closely.
"I'm really happy that passed. It's going to be a good deal," Cowger said.