COLDWATER, MI — Voters rejected both school millage bond proposals on the Branch County ballot Tuesday, May 5, turning down school projects in Coldwater and Quincy.
“It’s a reflection of the current economic climate,” said Coldwater Superintendent Paul Flynn.
Coldwater district voters rejected a $64 million, 30-year bond that would have increased taxes by 1.5 mills, with 2,104 opposed and 1,677 in favor—a 55.6% margin.
Only 19% of those registered voted.
This marks the third time in five years the district’s bond proposal has been rejected.
Only voters in Wards 3 and 4 in Coldwater supported the proposed renovations and new classroom wing at the 70-year-old high school, with a 508–390 vote in favor.
Quincy voters were even more strongly opposed to their $60 million bond proposal, which would have added 5.3 mills to local tax bills.
Quincy’s proposal was rejected by a margin of 70.5%, with 1,076 voting no and 450 voting yes, and a 25.5% voter turnout.
The plan called for demolishing the nearly 100-year-old middle school and adding a new classroom wing.It also addressed code violations, upgraded classrooms, and tackled urgent safety and infrastructure needs across the district.
Flynn attributed the vote to economic pressures: “People are facing $5 a gallon for gas, rising food costs, and higher expenses everywhere.”
Flynn emphasized that he and the board remain committed to meeting students’ needs.
“We’ll regroup, brainstorm, and determine our next steps. We have needs that cannot be met with our general fund or sinking fund,” Flynn said.
The largest “no” votes came from rural agricultural townships, where farmers are experiencing high costs for diesel and fertilizer.
Quincy Superintendent John Denny said he and his board would take the next several days to talk to the community to see why the strong no vote before deciding what is next.
Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Coldwater and Quincy voters reject school bonds amid economic concerns
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
