Voters who reside within the Knox Community School Corporation limits can see for themselves the problems with the elementary school’s 60-year-old Palmer wing during an open house and tour this afternoon at 4 p.m. It’s sponsored by the “Whatever It Takes” Committee, who claims the original school lacks the electrical infrastructure necessary to support today’s high-tech classrooms, the heating and air conditioning systems are over-taxed, and foundation problems are causing cracks in the floor. Additionally, they say the kitchen is too cramped for cafeteria staff to prepare enough food for the entire building.
The school corporation is asking residents of Center, California and Washington Townships to approve a property tax increase so the antiquated structure can be replaced. Absentee voting continues through Monday, May 6 at noon at the Starke County Courthouse for the Tuesday, May 7 special election.
The potential tax increase depends on a number of factors, including whether or not the property owner qualifies for a mortgage or homestead tax exemption or is over age 65 and eligible for other tax breaks. Individual tax rates can be calculated by visiting the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance tax calculator online at https://gateway.ifionline.org/CalculatorsDLGF/RefCalculator.aspx.
