Polling places will be open Tuesday as islanders consider a four-year, $24 million levy for school maintenance and operations.
The levy would bring in $5.7 million in 2004, increasing each year and reaching $6.6 million in 2007. The “millage rate” is estimated at between $1.70 and $1.75 per $1,000 assessed valuation on island properties each year, but could go down depending on reassessments and the value of new construction during those years.
Funds would cover most facets of district operations: teacher and staff salaries, training and curriculum work, building and grounds maintenance, and transportation.
The district operates on about $27 million annually; the local levy supplements funding of about $20.5 million from state, federal and other sources.
Information on polling locations is available through the county elections office, 842-2061.
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***Road show this weekend
Ten island venues host Bainbridge Arts and Crafts’ “Appraisal Day” – Bainbridge Island’s answer to TV’s Antique Road Show – from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb 1.
Anyone can bring a “hidden treasure” to appraisers – local professionals and invited experts such as book dealers Bob and Nancy Fortner, who will appraise books at Gallery Fraga – for verbal evaluations of retail value (for general information purposes only) in downtown Winslow.
The event is a fund-raiser for Bainbridge Arts and Crafts. One appraisal ticket is required for each item appraised; cost for BAC members is $10 each, $40 for five; $20 per ticket for non-members, available at BAC.
Information and venue locations: 842-3132.
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***Road end cleanup slated
Volunteers are needed for a road-end work party on Feb. 8, honoring the late Gail Smith.
The event is slated for 9-11 a.m. on that day at the Sivertson road end to clear brush and improve access. Organizers are looking for gas-powered weedeaters, mowers to clear a trail, two wheelbarrows, and shovels and rakes for bark.
Limited parking is available at the corner of Sivertson and West Port Madison roads.
Smith, a lifelong islander and avid supporter of public access to road ends, died Nov. 25 at his Port Madison home.
For more information or to volunteer equipment, call Bitsy Ostesnson at 842-2542 or Bob Campbell at 842-3367.
