Columbia schools pass 65-cent tax levy, $30 million bond issue

FINAL RESULTS: A 65-cent tax levy and $30 million bond issue both passed for the Columbia School district.

11,394 voted in favor of the tax levy while 10, 282 voted against. 16,037 voted in favor of the bond issue while 5,624 voted against.

The levy will increase taxes by 65 cents for every $100 of assessed home value. It is expected to generate about $14.6 million. Officials say the money will be used to stop deficit spending, continue current operations, open new buildings and provide student support. The funds would also be used to recruit and retain high-quality employees.

Without the tax levy, the district will operate at a $5 million deficit the next two school years, CPS said.

Voters also passed a $30 million no-tax increase bond issue. It will fund several things including buying land and designing a new middle school, expanding two elementary schools, the Gentry Middle School kitchen, plus other facility and roof needs.

Voters will also elect two people to the CPS Board of Education. You can find more on the candidates here.