Voters in the Elmore City-Pernell school district will go the polls Tuesday for a special election to decide a $19.79 million bond issue that, if approved, will fund construction of a new gymnasium for the district.
The new facility would replace the current gym, which was built in the 1950s and poses numerous maintenance, safety, accessibility and functionality issues, according to school officials.
The proposed bond issue is expected to increase property taxes in the district by 11%, if approved. That would be an additional $11 for every $100 someone currently pays in property taxes.
School officials have said if voters approve the project, the new gym would take 18-24 months to build.
The goal would be for this year’s freshman to play in it before they graduate.
The old gym would remain for all current activities until the new gym is completed. The school board has not yet decided how the district would utilize the old gym in the event a new one is built.
If approved, the new gymnasium would be built where the current football practice field is located. The practice field would be relocated. The current parking between that field and the highway would become the parking for the new gym.
The gym would face south, toward that parking lot and Highway 29 (Lindsey Street).
The new building would be 25,000 square feet with a seating capacity of about 1,000 people.
Early voting is underway at the Garvin County Election Board this week.
Voters can cast an in-person absentee ballot Thursday, Feb. 5, and Friday, Feb. 6, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Garvin County Courthouse, 201 W. Grant Ave., Room 8.
Regular polling precincts will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Feb. 10.
