Sahuarita voters say no to override, yes to $27 million in bonds

Sahuarita voters soundly defeated a budget override that officials said was key to maintaining current school programs and dealing with growth, but OK’d a $27 million bond package for school improvements, including a community swimming pool.

Defeat of the budget override means the district must cut about $700,000 from its budget each of the next three years, starting July 1, until the total of more than $2.1 million is reached. A budget override — the district has one in place now — allows for the spending of 10 percent above the budget.

The override was defeated 1,267 votes to 1,036, or 55 percent to 45 percent.

Officials said before the election that the defeat could mean reducing or eliminating sports and other extracurricular activities, counseling, field trips and elective classes not required by the state. It also may require expanding class sizes if teachers are laid off or not replaced.

The bond passed by a vote of 1,202 to 1,101, or about 52 percent to 48 percent.

The authority to issue bonds will allow the district to upgrade a planned second high school near Sahuarita Park, once acquisition of the land and state financing is complete, and to spend $3 million for a swimming pool on the main campus. Bond sales could begin shortly, because the district is interested in expanding facilities.

Approval of the bond issue will cost about $49 a year for the owner of a home with a median price in the area, or about $157,000.

Voters also gave the district approval to spend interest from the bonds on bond projects rather than go to servicing debt.

pfranchine@sahuaritasun.com| 547-9738