Orono Voters Say Yes to Referendum

Orono voters say yes to referendum - By Brett Stursa
This article was posted in the Lakeshore Weekly News today. The referendum was passed by a margin of only 132 votes.


More than 3,500 Orono School District residents went to the district office on Feb. 12 to vote on a $39.4 referendum request.

The measure was approved, with only 132 votes separating the two sides. Of those who voted in the special election, 1,845 supported the referendum and 1,713 voted against it.

The district plans to use the money to make improvements to Schumann Elementary, Orono Intermediate School and Orono High School.

The bond issue will be repaid over 20 years, so it will affect property taxes for 20 years, beginning with taxes payable in 2009.

On a home with an estimated taxable value of $300,000, the levy will increase taxes $125 annually.

The district has stated that it will use the money for mechanical and electrical work at Schumann Elementary, Orono Intermediate School and Orono High School. In addition, exterior and interior work will be completed at those locations.

Temperature, humidity, sound levels, lighting, air distribution, ventilation and power distribution for technology will be addressed in classrooms.