ALLEGAN, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) — The Allegan County Board of Canvassers recount of votes cast last month rejecting a $39.9 million-dollar bond proposal by Saugatuck Public Schools stands.
Members of the bi-partisan board — two Republicans, two Democrats — confirmed the numbers originally reported by the Allegan County Clerk’s office on May 7, 2019: 1,044 votes “no” votes and 1,041 “yes” votes.
It’s the district’s second defeat in as many years, with last year’s $50-million-plus request meeting a resounding defeat.
The goals of each bond request were the same: upgrading its two buildings, Douglas Elementary School and Saugatuck Junior/Senior High School, which includes expanding the music room; increasing security at the high school’s entrance; and repairing or replacing the roof and HVAC system.
Saugatuck’s school board had a regular meeting set for Monday evening, and Tim Travis, the district’s superintendent, said millage question was already part of the agenda. He said a new facilities committee will likely be formed, and district officials will rework the request to the extent they can — while working harder to understand why voters oppose the bond, which would not have raised taxes.
This was the only bond proposal on the May 7 ballot along the Lakeshore that had been defeated, as questions of $98 million for West Ottawa Schools and $26.3 million for the Holland Community Aquatic Center passed.
