Timothy VanEijl, of Graphic House National Sign Firm, visited the Houston School Board meeting December 5 to share possible designs to replace the current wall sign at the school. VanEijl told the board that the 48-year-old, woman-owned company approaches design from the budget in order to create a customized sign within the budget. The company manufactures, installs and services the signs.
VanEijl presented two choices – a 4×8-foot sign which would have more possibilities and a sign the same size as the current one. Both signs would have a push-through backlit portion with the name of the school and a cloud-based digital display that could be changed from anywhere. The larger sign would cost $30,196; the same size replacement would be $25,282.
Since this would be a replacement of the current sign, LTFM (Long Term Facilities Maintenance) could be used to finance it. Funding from the state would then cover 88% of the cost.
The life of such a sign was estimated at 10 to 15 years. VanEijl compared the sign to a car, noting that if it was maintained it would last longer. Chuckling, he added, “It’s gonna take a hurricane to wreck it – no offense!” The company promises to stock replacement parts for 10 years if the sign goes out of production. A sign comes with a five-year warranty on parts and a year on parts and labor.
VanEijl also presented an additional monument style sign that could be considered to be placed in the green space near the road. This type of sign would have a brick base and sides with either a lit $49,260 or non-lit $47,260 top. If a custom brick was needed to better match the school there would be an additional fee. The entire sign would be built at the factory and installed in a day at the school. This option would not be eligible for funding from LTFM; rather it would need to be paid from regular school funds.
No decision was made at this time regarding the signs. The current sign has issues and can no longer be repaired.
Truth in Taxation Meeting
Director of Finance Gwen Rostad presented information on the factors affecting the local taxes for residents. She reminded the public that state aid is not keeping up with inflation. At this point it trails by $1,364 per student. Rostad pointed out that the state legislature sets the formula for calculating the taxes. Values of the properties are determined by assessors.
Sixty-one percent of Houston’s land is farmland which is taxed at the lowest rates while there are few commercial properties in the district which are taxed at a higher rate. The Ag2School Credit, a 70% credit for farm owners, is not very high since the school doesn’t have a lot of debt. Houston does not have an operating levy.
Board member Arlin Peterson pointed out that Houston has very little new housing. With housing prices going up this past year, everyone will have a higher tax bill as a result.
The 24-25 total budget for Houston Schools was $31,654,879. The net is expected to be a negative $94,606 due to the food service and community education budgets.
The proposed tax on the statements from the county are not what the final tax will be. The board has historically always lowered the levy later in the year.
One concern was voiced by a resident who owned farmland. She asked why there was no Ag2School Credit on her proposed bill. Board member Nickki Johnson had the same question. Appraisers Mark Bennett and Dave Feuerhelm attended the meeting and spoke personally with both Johnson and the other resident about their questions and will follow up with them.
Hurricane Hero
SPED teacher Jessica Olson was declared the December Hurricane Hero. Superintendent Mary Morem called Olson’s SPED classroom “the kitchen, the hub, the living room of the school,” as she commented she herself was a frequent visitor.
Staff called Jessica sharing and supportive, noting that she helps students previous and present and truly cares about all of her students while going above and beyond expectations.
Other Business
In other business the board:
•Certified the tax levy at .62%, the same as last year;
•Passed a resolution setting the combined polling place of the Hurricane Hub for any school district elections not held on the same day as a regular election;
•Gratefully accepted donations totaling $7,398 which included funding for the elementary sound system, the Hollidazzle Elf Store, the Summit Community Brunch, the Veterans Day Program and the volleyball program.
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