Lincoln County Schools finance director Steve
Zickefoose (center) receives congratulations from
superintendend Dr. David Martin (left) and school
board chairman George Dellinger (right) for
receiving a certificate of excellence in
financial reporting for the 17th year in a row
from the Association of School Business Officials
International. School board members plan to talk
to county commissioners about $15 million in
bonds held up Monday.
Photo by Jon Mayhew/The Carolina
Scoop
SCHOOL
BOARD MEMBERS TO TALK
BONDS WITH COMMISISONERS
By
Jon Mayhew
LINCOLNTON
-- In an early sign of tough economic
times, county commissioners Monday night put a
hold on issuing $15 million in school bonds to
Lincoln County Schools. Wednesday night, board
members discussed on how to move forward in
dealing with the issue.
School board
member Fred Jarrett brought up the issue during
the regularly scheduled meeting.
"I'm
bringing up the issue because some of the bond
money may not be released because the interest
rate has spiked," said Jarrett.
School officials
say the $15 million would be used for a new roof
on Lincolnton High School; work on Rock Springs
Elementary in Denver; and issues with the
American with Disabilities Act (ADA) regarding a
complaint several years ago.
Superintendent
Dr. David Martin told board members materials are
already on site for the projects.
"I was told
by county manager George Wood the county would
front the money for the project," said
Martin. "It's not stopping in mid
stream."{
Board vice
chairman Tommy Houser said the move by county
commissioners may end up costing more.
"Delaying
the issuance of the bonds could cause
construction costs to increase," said
Houser. "That cost could be more than the
amount of the interest."
Martin said he's
planning on meeting with George Wood Thursday to
discuss the issue.
And even though
Martin said he's sure the bonds would be issued,
he wants to meet with the county manager just to
be sure.
"The
economy was very different when we had the
original discussion earlier this year," said
Martin. "I'm sure they will sell the
bonds."
Voters earlier
this year approved $44.6 million in bonds for the
Lincoln County Schools, after the education and
business communities came together to promote
passage of the bond issue.
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