Re-Vote on Impact Fees, Nearly $13 Million in Renovations on Tuesday's School Board Agenda

BRADENTON – At Tuesday's meeting, the Manatee School Board is scheduled to vote on multiple items that carry significant financial impact to the district. In addition to possibly approving a request for the County to reinstate district impact fees at a higher level than originally asked for, the board will also vote on a maximum of nearly $13 million in renovations to two schools.

 

If the board approves a recommended contract with Willis A. Smith Construction, William H. Bashaw Elementary School would receive a maximum of $12,157,719 in renovations. The renovations would cover several parts of the school.

 

Upgrades would be given to Bashaw's stormwater, heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems, as well as ceiling tiles. The cafeteria and school storage areas would see expansions, and a new building containing 8 classrooms–to be funded by impact fees–would be built. In addition, the school would receive new covered walkways and new metal roofing.

 

A contract for improvements to Oneco Elementary would also go to Willis A. Smith if approved on Tuesday. Oneco's renovations would have a maximum price of $747,207. The project for Oneco includes demolishing the school's Building 5 and adding five new metal portables. The portables would meet a projected increase in enrollment numbers at the school.

 

If the school board votes to approve Resolution 16-02 during the meeting, it would be formally asking the Board of County Commissioners to amend Ordinance 16-03. If the upcoming sales tax renewal ballot passes, that ordinance would allow impact fees for educational facilities to eventually be reinstated at 50 percent of the amount recommended by consulting firm TischlerBise. If amended, the ordinance would have its link to the sales tax ballot removed, allowing for full collection of district impact fees.

 

The meeting starts at 5:45 p.m. at the School Board chambers, located at 215 Manatee Avenue West in Bradenton.