BLAIR — Books, bonds and band uniforms were a few of the topics discussed at length in March Fairfield County School Board meeting.
New math textbooks were approved for the district and a new district logo was unveiled. The district received honors from the United Way for its fund raising efforts.
Several residents from the Lake Wateree area turned out to make their voices and presence heard about millage rate increases and new school construction. Is the district complying by having the board assess a millage rate increase without a public bond referendum being held? According to board officials they are following the advice of the bond attorneys who said they could raise rates within certain parameters.
“We are certain we have done our homework and have authority to (raise millage), said Board of Trustees Chairwoman Beth Reid. “(on the advice of our bond attorneys) we are certain we have done it legally and ethically correct and are moving forward.”
For a full recap of Tuesday’s meeting, see the Friday edition of The Herald Independent.
A simple internet search, from Ballot*pedia turns up the following regarding S.C. bond issue law:
School bond and tax elections in South Carolina happen under two circumstances:
To issue new bonds.
To exceed the state mandated 15-mill levy limit.
South Carolina, like Nevada structures its school boards at the county level and not by municipality.[1] The County Board of Education is required to have a ballot question for the voters of the school district to issue new bonds under South Carolina Law.[2] [3]
Under the law, all bonds must be sold at normal par value and have a mandatory, maximum maturity date of 25 years.[4] The first maturity for the bonds is three years after the date that the bonds were issued.
School bonds in South Carolina can be used for capital improvements, which include building new facilities, improving existing facilities and facility acquisition.[5]
South Carolina Levy Law:
Under South Carolina law, school districts are required to hold levy elections if a school district exceeds the 15-mill limit.[6] South Carolina is one of three states that expresses levy formulas using the basic mill rate formula over a lengthy formula.
References, Statutes, Law cited:
1.↑ "South Carolina State House" South Carolina Bond Issue Law (Referenced Statute 59-71-20 (4))
2.↑ "South Carolina State House" South Carolina Bond Issue Law (Referenced Statute 59-71-30 (1)(3))
3.↑ "South Carolina State House" South Carolina Bond Issue Law (Referenced Statute 59-71-140)
4.↑ "South Carolina State House" South Carolina Bond Issue Law (Referenced Statute 59-71-70)
5.↑ "South Carolina State House" South Carolina Bond Issue Law (Referenced Statute 59-71-20 (3))
6.↑ "South Carolina State House" South Carolina Lev Law (Referenced Statute 59-73-40)