BELLAIRE — The Bellaire Local School District is asking voters on Nov. 3 to renew a 3-mill tax levy and to approve a new 1-mill levy that would replace an expiring 0.5-mill levy.

In essence, this would equate to voters approving an additional 0.5-mill levy.

Superintendent Darren Jenkins said the money generated from the levies, which would be made permanent, would provide the funding needed for facility repairs and replacement projects.

According to information provided by Jenkins, “This renewal of existing millage with the addition of one Permanent Improvement mill represents a net increase of ½ mill to district taxpayers. This is because of the statutory retirement of the district’s ½ mill facilities levy passed with the bond issue which built and remodeled district buildings. This additional ½ mill would cost the owner of a $50,000 home about 2 cents per day. If you live in a $75,000 home, the district’s average, then you would pay 3½ cents per day in additional taxes. If you live in a home with a market value of $100,000, your tax increase would be less than a nickel per day.”

Jenkins noted via email that “our millage rates are actually lower with this new proposed increased millage than they were in 2013. The Bellaire Schools remain a great bargain and community asset.”

Planned projects include repairs to the high school’s clock tower. Jenkins said if repairs are not made as soon as possible, it is “in danger of failing.”

Repairs to the visitors side grandstands and bleachers also need done at Nelson Field football stadium. And HVAC systems need repaired and upgraded in each school building.

“The identified repair/replacement projects represent facility projects which will take years to complete. This money will provide ongoing support. All of these projects are necessary if we are to continue to maintain the facilities we have,” he said.

Jenkins noted the money cannot be used to pay salaries or benefits. Permanent improvements include items that have a lifespan of five years or more, which means the money can also be used to buy buses and computers.

The 3-mill levy, passed in 1991, generates $571,000 per year. The 0.5-mill levy that is expiring generated $107,000 per year, while the new 1-mill levy to replace it would generate $198,000 per year.

More information can be found at the school’s website about the levy issues at sites.google.com/bellairesd.org/voteyesforbellaireschools/home.