Make wishtv.com your home page

On referendums, Hancock County goes ‘no,’ schools vote ‘yes’

 

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Voters in several central Indiana school districts and Hancock County voted Tuesday on referenda to determine whether to put more money toward local public education and projects. 

APP USERS: Click here for vote tallies

Hancock County voters by just over 600 ballots defeated a plan to finance a project of up to $55 million from a property tax increase for construction at the Criminal Justice Center Complex and the repair of the county courthouse roof. 

Jessica Abraham, who cast her vote at the Hancock County Courthouse, told The Greenfield Reporter that she thought the question on the ballot was confusing, echoing a sentiment expressed by many voters as Election Day nears. 

“It didn’t really give me any clarity,” she said. “I think there’s still a lot of unanswered questions about that project.”

Debra Hull agreed. She wondered why the question wasn’t saved for the November General Election when the county would have more details finalized. While the overall project is estimated to cost no more than $55 million, few financing details have been provided.

“I thought the question on the ballot was very vague,” Hull told the Reporter.

Avon Schools voters by more than 1,000 ballots approved a referendum asked for an eight-year property tax increase to reduce class sizes, retain teaching staff and increase instructional support and opportunities for students.

Marion County’s Warren Township Schools voters overwhelmingly backed a property tax rate hike to pay for student transportation, teacher retention, technology programs, safety and security programs and other student learning initiatives.

In Anderson Schools, voters approved two referenda. The first asked voters to approve bonds for up to $41 million for construction at several schools, including six elementary schools, the Eastside and Highland middle schools and Anderson High School. The second asked for an eight-year property tax increase to fund daily operations, retain and compensate teachers and employees, maintain class sizes and academic and support programs.

In Alexandria Schools, voters agreed to a bond process for construction projects at Alexandria-Monroe Intermediate School and Alexandria-Monroe Junior-Senior High School. The bonds, which would be funded with a property tax increase, could cost up to $19.28 million.