The official result of the Humboldt USD 258 school bond election came in at 256 “yes” votes to 125 opposed.
County commissioners conducted the official canvass of the election, which took place on May 24. Not quite 20% of the district’s registered voters participated in the election.
Only two more ballots were counted during the canvass, one that came in the mail after Tuesday’s election and one provisional ballot approved by commissioners.
The election allows Humboldt to move forward with a $17.45 million school bond.
Updates and renovations will include replacing heating and cooling systems at the elementary and middle schools, new fire alarm systems throughout, creating a new drop-off lane at the elementary school, replacing the roof at the elementary school, replacing windows in all three schools, adding a cafeteria at the elementary school and replacing the elevator at the high school.
Commissioners asked about a proposal to move the Humboldt polling location to the new senior center, rather than its current location at Humboldt Methodist Church.
County Clerk Sherrie Riebel said she’s not sure the senior center can accommodate many voters at a time, but she might try it on the next city/school board election, as those elections tend to draw fewer voters.
The next election is the August primary, which includes a question to change the Kansas Constitution to say there is no right to abortion for women in Kansas.
The November election includes a question to change the Kansas Constitution that would allow the legislature to pass laws, which the governor could not veto, to revoke or suspend executive agencies’ rules and regulations.
ARPA update
Allen County so far has paid $703,139.29 for projects using the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, but has promised more than $2.2 million.
The county expects to get $2.4 million in ARPA funds. Half has been awarded and the other half is expected to arrive in July.
Lisse Regehr, Thrive Allen County CEO, gave commissioners a more detailed update on the financial obligations. Thrive administers the funds for the county.
Some project costs had been estimated, as some county department leaders have run into problems finding available contractors or have faced increased costs for materials. Regehr attempted to find more exact figures when possible, and broke down what money had already been spent versus what had been promised.
Still, the county has received more requests than it has available money.
One of Thrive’s grant writers is looking at a Community Facilities Grant/Loan Program available through the USDA that could help pay for some of the courthouse projects. If that becomes a viable option, it could allow some of the ARPA funds to be spent on other projects.
MITCH GARNER, public works director, told the county he wants to purchase two fuel trailers for the Allen County Regional Airport.
