State Assistance
Our district qualifies at this time for state assistance to help pay for the bond issue. The state will currently help USD 343 by paying 22% of the bond and interest each year. We don’t know if this support from the state will be available in the future.

Interested Buyers
The district has the potential to gain significant income from the sale or lease of the two older buildings. The proceeds will be used to reduce taxes. The opportunity to find useful purposes for these buildings, as well as the chance for the income from their sale/lease, may not exist at a later date.

Lower Mill Rate
The Board of Education has lowered the mill rate each of the past three years. The past two school years have seen a lowering of the mill rate in our district by more than 5 mills.

Four Year Pay Off
The district’s current bonded indebtedness, which has carried an average tax rate of over 5 mills a year, will be paid off in less than four years.

Increased State Funding
Under present school finance rules, our district will receive increased state funding for 2 years once the new buildings are occupied.

Interest Rate on Bonds/Cost of Construction
Interest rates on tax-exempt bonds (the kind used to finance school facilities) are near a 35-year low but are beginning to head upward. Now is the cheapest time to build and finance schools.