Upgrades at Baker 5J School may or may not happen depending on how citizens vote

By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Tuesday, May 11th, 2021 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories

BAKER COUNTY – A bond measure on the May 18^th election, is the Baker School Bond Measure and if the $4 million passes, the state will match the bond with a $4 million grant. If the bond passes some of the projects will include:

•Replace/upgrade mechanical and electrical systems at all schools to improve heating, cooling and ventilation in the schools,

•Construct an approximately 5,000-square-foot Multipurpose Building at Baker Middle School for use as a cafeteria/kitchen,

•Replace the South Baker School roof and

•Upgrade security and access systems at all of the schools.

The proposed bond measure would be repaid over five years. Property owners would pay approximately $0.66 per $1,000 of assessed property value (about $66 per year, or $5.50 per month, for a home assessed at $100,000).

If the proposed bond does not pass, the tax rate would not increase, and the projects outlined in this proposal would not be completed.