The amounts listed for each project is an estimate that was prepared By Design West Architects. They are a firm that we have used for many year in the Emmett School District and they have a good understanding of our buildings.

These amounts are not bids. Many of these estimates are based on actual projects at other schools in our area, or based on costs per square foot estimates. However, we do know that these estimates will go up and/or down as we go through the design and bid process.

The interest on this bond is included in the estimated tax rate of $113 per $100,000 of market value. Tax payers will not pay more to cover the interest. In fact, the State will be paying 82% of the interest costs for this bond, saving the Gem County taxpayers. Following are the numbers:

 ♦ The Bond is for $20,400,000 - the estimated interest on this amount over 20 years is $6,522,513.

 ♦ Through the State of Idaho Bond Levy Equalization, they will provide $5,348,503.

 ♦ The property tax payers in Gem County will pay $1,138,010 in interest over the life of the bond.

 ♦ The bond rate of $113 per $100,000 of property value will cover the principal and interest of this bond.

Most likely, extra funds will be used to complete other facility projects in the district. The Board will determine at that time the greatest need for the use of any extra funds. 

The number one priority is the Middle School. The major projects at the high school, bleachers, track, locker rooms, science rooms, and bathrooms would be next in line. It depends on how much over the bond amount we are and what is the best mix of projects to most effectively use the funds. This will all be a part of the planning project.

There is much planning work that needs to be done before we can completely answer this question. We will be issuing a Request for Quotations (RFQ) for both an Architect and a Construction Management Firm.  We plan to go through the selection process in February and March so that as soon as we pass the bond we could hire them to begin the planning process. They will develop a timeline for design, bid, and construction for all of these projects.

A rough estimate for now would be for major projects, like the Middle School, we would start construction in the summer of 2019 and most likely it would take one or two years. Other projects such as paving, bleachers, outdoor bathrooms, etc., we might be able to complete during the summer of 2018. However, there are a lot of variables that will come into play. It is important that we take the time to do a very good job of planning before we start. 

At this time it has not been determined.  We may be able to keep part of the building open during some of the remodel. Like how they remodeled Meridian High School over the past few years. Our construction management firm and architects will help us develop a plan for how much additional space we will need.  At that point, we will explore all the possibilities of where to house students with as little disruption as possible.