Ferndale Voters Consider School Upgrades
FERNDALE (WWJ) - Aside from the main course of Romney-Santorum, several metro area communities also have millage issues before voters on this primary election day. In Ferndale, residents are being asked to approve a $22.8 million bond for improvements within the Ferndale School District.
Community Relations Director Stephanie Hall says more than half of the work will be done on the high school, where they need to remove asbestos from the ceiling.
"The asbestos that's in that building is contained. The problem with it is that it cannot be touched, so there is nothing that we can do to make improvements in the building unless it is abated or removed and it's a very very costly process," said Hall.
Hall said the improvements will benefit all the residents, even those without school-aged children.
"The district infrastructure and having a strong school system impacts their property values. It's a reflection on the community as a whole," she said.
If approved, the bond would expire in 2041 and also pay for technology upgrades. Hall says it will extend, but not increase, the current tax rate.
Meantime, Clawson voters will decide the fate of a 10-year millage increase to make-up for a projected $600,000 budget shortfall this fiscal year. In Franklin, voters are being asked to support two special millages, to pay for police and fire services, and to restore the village's "rainy day" fund.
The polls close at 8 p.m.
