Hilton maintenance and renovation projects to address building infrastructure

At its November 28 meeting, the Hilton Central School District Board of Education heard a presentation from the Excel Project Planning Committee led by Hilton Assistant Superintendent for Business Steven Ayers regarding a proposal to take a $9 million bond vote referendum to Hilton district voters in late January. A 22-member committee began meeting in early November as the planning process chose to take advantage of NYS Excel Aid, a special opportunity offered to school district to upgrade facility infrastructure. A list of recommended repairs and renovations to all schools and the district's transportation facility was presented to the Board of Education with background information regarding the condition of roofs, flooring, electrical HVAC, safety, accessibility, technology and energy conservation renovations which are on a building condition maintenance timetable. The committee recommended taking the $9.5 million proposal to voters for a bond referendum on January 30. There will be no tax impact for the project. A 16 to 18-month construction timetable would begin June 2008.

"It's a unique financial opportunity the state has offered, but the timetable we're working under is tight," according to Ayers, who facilitated the planning committee. "What is unique is that this special incentive grant - Excel Aid - supplements the district's normal 85 percent building aid rebate from the state. The remaining 15 percent of the cost that would normally fall to local taxes will be funded by Excel Aid. In our case, this amounts to $1.4 million. This proposed project would effectively have no property tax impact for Hilton residents," Ayers said. "The maintenance and repairs focus strictly on infrastructure needs, based on the current age and condition of the buildings' various physical plant systems."

The expected bond vote approval by the Board of Education is December 12. For information call 392-1000 extension 7033.

December 3, 2006