<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=20IATx_1GpCoksX00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=20IATx_1GpCoksX00" width="1280" height="960" >District explores using existing sinking fund revenue to tackle heating, roofing and lighting problems.Aging heating systems, worn roofs and troublesome temperature controls could soon mean some major repairs for Milan Area Schools.District officials are considering borrowing nearly $4 million to tackle those problems sooner, using money from a property tax voters already approved to help pay for the work.The district’s 1.5-mill sinking fund, approved in November 2024, provides money for repairs, technology, transportation and other eligible expenses. Rather than waiting for that revenue to accumulate over several years, officials are exploring energy bonds that would allow them to make larger improvements now and pay for them over time.Representatives of Performance Services Inc. (PSI) presented the proposal to the Board of Education during a Nov. 4 special meeting, following an assessment of the district’s buildings.Their findings included aging heating and cooling equipment, roofing concerns, outdated lighting and temperature controls that aren’t always working as they should.Some of those problems are already creating headaches.At Paddock Elementary, officials described humidity and mold concerns, along with malfunctioning controls that have kept equipment running around the clock during the summer. At Milan Middle School, the district has been relying on a single operating chiller, putting additional strain on the system.Chris Gerrity, a principal architect with PSI, said the problems are largely a matter of aging equipment, not poor maintenance.“Your staff’s doing a good job maintaining what you have,” Gerrity told the board. “At some point, it needs to be replaced.”The company identified heating and cooling systems, roof repairs and energy-efficient lighting as priorities. Longer-term possibilities include more secure entrances, restroom improvements and updates to classrooms and other spaces.How the district could pay for itSuperintendent Ryan McMahon outlined preliminary financing options ranging from about $3.3 million to nearly $4 million.One option would use approximately $500,000 to $550,000 a year from the sinking fund, along with a possible $50,000 to $100,000 annual contribution from the district’s general fund.That would leave some sinking fund money available for school buses, technology and unexpected repairs.The improvements could also help lower utility bills. PSI estimated annual energy savings of $100,000 to $200,000, depending on which projects are selected. McMahon recommended using the lower estimate when considering how those savings could help offset borrowing costs.Board members asked how the savings would be calculated and verified, what borrowing would cost and how rising utility rates might affect the estimates.No projects or borrowing amounts have been finalized, and the board did not authorize bonds at the meeting.McMahon said more detailed financing options could be presented at the next board meeting, with a possible bond resolution as soon as December.</div></body>

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District explores using existing sinking fund revenue to tackle heating, roofing and lighting problems. Aging heating systems, worn roofs and troublesome temperature controls could soon mean some major repairs for Milan Area Schools. District officials are considering borrowing nearly $4 million to tackle those problems sooner, using money from a...

Milan Schools Consider $4 Million Plan for Aging Buildings

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District explores using existing sinking fund revenue to tackle heating, roofing and lighting problems. Aging heating systems, worn roofs and troublesome t

Milan Schools Consider $4 Million Plan for Aging Buildings

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