DCSC taxpayers voice opinions about renovations
By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

Telling it like it could be Greg Drennen of architecture firm Lorenz, Williams and Clinton uses a color-coded layout of Delphi high school to explain ideas, reasons and costs associated with proposed renovations to Delphi Community School Corporation physical assets during a public forum held Monday night. Drennen, along with other design and financial advisors, spoke with DCSC patrons to answer questions, address concerns and consider new ideas regarding the project. The DCSC Board of Trustees will host another public forum where district residents and patrons can share their views Monday, Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school. Comet photo by Kevin Schnepp

Delphi Community School Corporation hosted another tour and public forum Monday night to update patrons of the corporation's plans to renovate many of its physical assets.

Larry Dawson of project consulting firm Envoy facilitated the forum after patrons were led on a tour of the high school's physical education facilities. Dawson was asked to facilitate the forum. He said it was important for patrons to be involved in the process.

"Nothing has been finalized or approved," Dawson began. "That is why the board continues to hold these meetings."

Dawson introduced Gary Turner and Greg Drennen from architecture firm Lorenz, Williams and Clinton who summarized the project's scope and potential tax impact.

Brian Bingham of financial advisory firm Barnes and Thornburg was introduced. Speaking on behalf of Lonnie Thurber, the firm's usual representative at DCSC meetings, he said the corporation could issue a bond for approximately $23 million payable over 20 years, or an $18 million bond for 15 years, without raising the tax rate.

He suggested the board consider "wrap-around financing," a method by which new debt payments are increased while existing debt payments decrease, as a means for funding the project without raising the debt tax rate.

Bingham also noted nonacademic portions of the project would come under scrutiny by the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF). He said that department could delete parts of the plan if they were considered not to be essential.

"Not that it isn't important or not a need," he explained about the DLGF's stance. "It's just not necessary."

Lastly he advised the is- suance of bonds may require a referendum after July 1 based on proposed tax relief legislation under considertaion by state lawmakers. He said if a tax hearing was held before then the board could operate under the existing law.

Dawson opened the floor for public comments.

DCSC patron Everett Snoeberger asked when the board would have to "stick with" an approved dollar amount. Dawson explained after a 1028 tax hearing the board could deduct from the project's budget but would not be able to add to it. Turner added aspects of the design could change if better ideas or a forgotten factor came up. If that were to happen, a change order would be charged.

Resident Mike Hyman said based on what he saw on the tour the school's facilities were overcrowded and in terrible condition. He said the school needed a field house to compete with other schools and felt the project was good because a lot needed done.

"I am in total support of this," Hyman said. "I don't even care if it raises my taxes because it's time it got done."

Camden resident Kevin Kremer suggested the board use caution when setting a project's funding limit because it voted not to raise the debt tax rate. He said if all the available funds were used there would be no room for another project.

Kremer said many unforeseen circumstances could arise in the future and the board should be prepared to pay its debts another way, if necessary.

"I'd like you (the board) to come up with a cost based on square footage," he requested. "If we don't have the money 10 to 12 years down the road, we should come up with a repair schedule to go along with the project based on capital projects funds."

DCSC Superintendent Ralph Walker said a 1028 tax hearing was tentatively scheduled for March 10. He announced another forum would be held Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the high school, during which board members would listen to public comments. He encouraged patrons to attend.