What a difference a few weeks make. In late March, we reported the Corvallis School District’s construction bond projects had been mired in extra costs and delays the last two years – and now it appears they’re about to have it all wrapped up.
According to school district spokesperson Kelly Locey, the City has now approved permanent Certificates of Occupancy for three elementary schools; Bessie Coleman, Letitia Carson and Adams.
Over the last two years, the three schools had been operating under City issued Temporary Certificates of Occupancy at a cost of $500 monthly per school. The schools were safe for public use, but still needed to complete the plans that were originally approved. In instances like these, the City charges fees to offset its costs for ongoing inspections and monitoring. According to City staff, it’s common to issue these temporary certificates on larger projects like the School District’s for just a few months, but not years.
The bond so far
Voters approved the $199,916,925 school construction bond back in 2018, and the district says it has spent 99.5% of it. They also say the whole list of projects totaled $261,585,102.
When we asked school district spokesperson Kelly Locey about the $61 million difference, she emailed to say, “The district issued bonds at $199M, which were fortunately sold at a premium. The remaining revenue came from state and federal funding programs as well as interest earned on the bond sale. “The additional revenues received have allowed us to keep the imposed tax rate lower than the guarantee as well as complete all bond promises,” said Locey.
What’s next
With all the work for the Occupancy Certificates now completed, Locey says the District has just a few relatively minor projects to finish.
Kathryn Jones Harrison Elementary
- Stormwater swale pump station and grading of the front lawn.
- Installation of rooftop heating unit over new classrooms.
Lincoln Elementary
- Replace topsoil and replant the field.
Crescent Valley High
- Modify the dust collection system in the wood shop.
Mt. View Elementary
- Relocate the electrical pole in the driveway.
College Hill High
- Replacement trees along Polk Avenue are being planted this week.
Letitia Carson Elementary
- Installation of rooftop heating unit over new classrooms.
Locey says the work should be completed by the end of summer at an estimated cost of $470,000.
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