Decatur’s Commission agreed Monday it was time for a general obligation bond to help fund construction and renovation of the city’s schools.
“You have demonstrated the need and it’s got to happen now,” Commissioner Fred Boykin told the school board during a rare joint meeting.
What remains in doubt is the amount. The board has weighed three separate amounts, informally agreeing on a $75 million bond earlier this this month, though it won’t actually vote on a final figure until May 12. While admitting a $60 million bond “won’t get you enough,” Boykin added that higher amounts like $75 million or $82 million (which the board also considered) might be “a tough sell.”
There’s also a conflict on the time frame. Board Vice Chair Julie Rhame asked the commission to approve the bond June 1 before summer break. But City Manager Peggy Merriss said last week she didn’t think it needed immediate approval. “As long as it’s done by early August,” she said, “that will be on time to get on the [November] ballot.”
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