Inland Lakes $15.1 million bond proposal earns voter approval

INDIAN RIVER — Voters in the Inland Lakes Schools district Tuesday approved a bond proposal to authorize the borrowing of up to $15.1 million over 15 years to fund facility and infrastructure improvements.

Superintendent Elizabeth Fairbanks said unofficial results show that the measure received 992 yes votes to 532 no votes.

"Thanks to your dedication and belief in the future of our schools, we have secured the necessary funding to address the highest priority needs of our Inland Lakes facilities. This outcome is a testament to the incredible strength of our school community and our shared commitment to creating a brighter future for our children," Fairbanks said in a letter to district residents.

Fairbanks said the bond will allow the district to address aging infrastructure, drainage issues in the elementary school parking lot, upgrade heating systems, install floor replacements and LED lighting, and complete renovations to restrooms, electrical systems and building exteriors. Proceeds from the bond proposal will also pay for the purchase of two school buses, classroom furniture and playground equipment.

Passage of the proposal will mean the owner of a home with a taxable value of $50,0000 can expect to pay about $99 annually over the next 15 years to cover the bond.

— Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@gaylordheraldtimes.com.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Inland Lakes $15.1 million bond proposal earns voter approval