The Woodland Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has voted to support the multi-million dollar school bond Measures S & T, it was reported Wednesday.
“The Chamber allotted significant attention and contemplation to both measures,” said President Kevin Cowan. “At multiple committee and board meetings, proponents on both sides made persuasive presentations, which were followed by lively discussion and debate. In addition, a membership poll was conducted and some directors even toured the schools. In the end, while we certainly acknowledge the concerns presented by the opposition, the board decided the time was right to support both measures.”
Woodland”s school board decided earlier this year to seek the sale of $97 million in bonds for the two separate measures which are meant to rebuild or repair some structures as well as to build other facilities meant to better health and safety for students.
Measure S would fund roof repairs, update classroom computer technology, remove asbestos/hazardous materials, make schools accessible for students with disabilities, and replace boilers, plumbing, sewers and electrical systems by issuing $78 million in bonds.
Measure T would fund and support student health and safety by fixing cracked/potholed pavement, providing lunch/shade shelters for students, repairing/replacing school playgrounds/playfields/physical education facilities, and repairing/upgrading fencing/school security, by issuing $19 million in bonds.
If approved by voters on Tuesday, Nov. 4, the maximum tax rate to be levied to pay the debt service on the bonds proposed would be $56 per year per $100,000 of assessed valuation of taxable property located within the Woodland School District. That works out to $140 a year for the typical $240,000 home.
The Chamber had sent out a survey to its membership on Sept. 18, polling business people on their feelings about the school bond measures. The Chamber has around 800 members. The specific voting results were not announced.
Cowan noted it is the Chamber”s mission to “promote economic progress and quality of life in the Woodland community and to foster a climate in which commerce, industry and agriculture will flourish,” which is one of the reasons why the decision was made to support the two measures.
In August, the Woodland City Council voted 4-1 to support Measures S and T, despite some community opposition. In fact, there have been a growing number of individuals opposed to the measures.
In addition to Measures S and T, the Woodland Chamber”s board also voted unanimously to support Measure U on the November ballot, which calls for splitting the city into five districts, each represented by a member on the City Council. Presently, at-large elections are held to determine membership to the council.
Measure U was placed on the ballot primarily to ensure adequate minority representation on the elected body, staving off the potential of a discrimination lawsuit, which have been filed in other cities across the state.
