VOTE Neshobe Proposed Construction TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17,2015

Construction Project Scope
The Neshobe Board commissioned multiple studies to evaluate our school facilities and provide recommendations for improvements focusing on energy sustainability, efficiency, and global citizenship. The proposed construction project was the result of these evaluations.

Wood Pellet Boiler System
We began this evaluation process when heating fuel prices were climbing towards $4.00/gallon. As an educational institution we were committed to “practice what we teach”. Installing a wood pellet boiler system incorporates sustainability through renewal resources and responsibility for reducing environmental impacts from choice of fuel sources. Wood pellets are readily available, purchasing regionally helps sustain the local economies, improves energy security while reducing the reliance on oil.

Heating and Ventilation
The terminal heating equipment and controls in both buildings have reached the end of their normal expected useful life; the normal expected useful life for this equipment is 25-30 years. The temperature controls for the building heating and ventilation equipment are ineffective at maintaining the indoor temperatures and air quality in the school. The pneumatic control systems in both buildings are not working properly and needs to be replaced to optimize the efficiency of the building. This controller needs to be integrated into a building control system which would allow for adjustment and monitoring.
Total Project cost $1,700,000.

The Ely Trust Fund and Financing
The Ely Trust Fund was established by Willet Ely’s will in 1971 with $244,000 for the benefit of The Brandon Graded School District. Over the years, the Ely Trust Fund’s annual earnings have been wisely invested and have supported projects including the library addition and annual Ely Contributions of $10,000 to $60,000. The original investment has grown and the current balance is $1,207,374. The Brandon Board has worked with a local trust attorney to create an investment policy to assure these assets remain for future generations. The investment policy will allow annual withdrawals to cover the bond payments over the next 20 years.

The Board is asking voters to approve a bond for this project. The trust fund will continue to earn interest at a higher rate than the bond costs. At the conclusion of the bond period, there will still be an Ely Trust Fund available for future investments and support of the Neshobe Elementary School.

In order to complete this project the taxpayers must approve a bond. By law, asking for a bond requires a public vote. However the bond will be paid for by The Ely Trust Fund. This means The Ely Trust Fund will make the annual payments on the bond therefore there is no cost to taxpayers and will not increase your tax rate.