News Photo by Reagan Voetberg Craig Froggett, bond campaign manager from Clark Construction Company, speaks to the Alpena Public Schools Board of Education last Monday.

ALPENA — At their workshop board meeting last Monday, the Alpena Public Schools Board of Education were presented with the details for a potential $29 million bond proposal to be placed on the ballot in May of next year.

The bond was presented by a bond campaign team from Clark Construction Company, Integrated Designs (IDI), and PFM.

The proposal would include no millage increase from the 2026 debt levy, but extend the property tax out years.

The existing debt millage is 1.8 mills, and it is expected to drop to 1 mill after the 2026 debt levy. If the board were to pursue a 2027 bond proposal and voters were to pass it, the debt levy would remain at 1.8 mills until 2037, according to a graph presented by the bond campaign team at last Monday’s board meeting.

The debt from both bonds would be paid off by 2052.

There is yet to be a comprehensive list of what projects will be done with the bond money. APS will work with the bond campaign team to create a detailed list of what work is still needed in the district. To make that list, a facilities study will be done at no cost to the district.

Board President Eric Lawson shared his initial thoughts on the proposal.

“It’s potentially an opportunity to continue the work that we’ve been doing through the safe warm and dry bond,” he said. “I think it’s certainly worth exploring.”

A 2027 bond would be a good way to responsibly maintain aging buildings.

Lawson said he is sensitive to the fact that taxpayers may be hesitant about supporting another bond after just approving one in 2020.

“The fact that it is not an increase in taxes is something,” he said.

He said he believes the general feeling of the board is that they are willing to entertain the idea of a bond proposal and willing to learn about it.

“I completely support investing in our schools,” Board Member Monica Dziesinski said. “The two main considerations I have, I want to make sure the projects are necessary, relevant and provide long term value…The second thing is that we are transparent with the taxpayers.”

She said she wants to hear input from the community and welcomes people reaching out to her and letting her know their thoughts.

Board Member AJ MacArthur said he is initially opposed to the idea of a bond proposal because he is not a big fan of taxes.

He said he understands using bond funds on buildings but does not know what they have in mind yet.

“Before we vote on that I think we would have an idea,” MacArthur said.

Board Member Anna Meinhardt deferred comment to Lawson.

Reagan Voetberg can be reached at rvoetberg@thealpenanews.com or 989-358-5683.