LISBON Board weighs putting levy on ballot

The stadium must be brought up to state and federal codes.
By SUE DROTLEFF
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
LISBON -- The Lisbon Board of Education is considering putting a 2.9-mill permanent improvement levy on the March 2 primary ballot to fund renovations at War Memorial Stadium.
At its meeting Monday night, the board approved a resolution to seek information from the Columbiana County auditor's office regarding the exact amount of revenue that would be generated by the levy.
A 1-mill levy brings in about $70,000 a year, Superintendent Don Thompson said.
Once the board receives the information from the auditor's office, it plans to meet in special session Monday to vote on placing the levy on the primary ballot. The deadline to place issues on the ballot is Dec. 18.
Preliminary figures prepared by the district estimate that the owner of a $100,000 home would pay an additional $88.81 a year in taxes if the levy is approved, Thompson said.
Stadium renovation
Thompson said the primary use for the permanent improvement funds initially would be for a major renovation project at War Memorial Stadium. Permanent improvement funds can be used only for items that last longer than five years. Those funds cannot be used for salaries or daily operating expenses.
Planned improvements at the stadium would be renovation of Bud Bucher Field, installation of an all-weather track, installation of a locker room-weight room complex including home and visitor team rooms, remodeled public restrooms, concession stand improvements, and necessary land acquisitions and site work, including parking and paving, the superintendent said.
Thompson said the stadium was dedicated in the 1940s and has not been upgraded for many years. He pointed out the facilities do not meet current state codes and don't comply with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
Board President Gene Gallo said the renovations are something that needed to be done, adding that if voters approved the levy, the improved facilities would be available for community use.
Member Gary Peruchetti said the community has shown interest in doing the project, so that's why the decision to fund it is being left up to the voters. Peruchetti said if the measure did not pass, the board would continue to make piecemeal improvements at the stadium.