April bond issue is one consideration for Columbus

By Roger McKinney

rmckinney@joplinglobe.com

COLUMBUS, Kan. — The Columbus Board of Education has voted to establish a committee to look at options for the football stadium. The committee will consist of around 30 district residents, school personnel, the Student Council president and others.

The group will gather at the Nov. 2 school board meeting for initial information and direction.

A structural engineer determined the stadium, built in 1950, is in poor condition. The concrete is weathered and steel reinforcement is visible in many locations. The stadium also was damaged during a wind storm on May 8 that toppled the press box.

School superintendent David Carriger said that when it was built in 1950, the cost was $25,000.

“I think we got our money’s worth,” Carriger said.

Jeff Tabor, with Crossland Construction Co., last month gave the board an estimate of $1.4 million to demolish the existing stadium, install new, accessible seating and build new, accessible restrooms and a concession stand.

The project would require a tax levy increase of 2.23 mills, which would result in a property-tax increase of $27 for the owner of a house in Columbus with a market value of $100,000.

Carriger said he hopes the committee can report its recommendations to the board by around the end of the year. Though the committee will explore all options, if it recommends a bond issue, it could be placed on the April ballot.

Teaming up

Columbus, Kan., School District Superintendent David Carriger said the state would fund about $476,000 of the cost if the district were to approve a bond issue to replace the football stadium.