Capital Project FAQ
Q: What will the tax impact be?
A: The Capital Project will have no impact on local taxes. The proposed overall project cost is $7,725,000, and will be paid for by a combination of State Building Aid and District Capital Reserve funds. First, the State Education Department will pay a portion of the costs for allowable Capital Improvements through their Building Aid formula (up to 63.7% for Naples). Second, the District plans to utilize up to $3,730,000 from our capital reserve fund.
Q: What is included and why is the project needed?
A: If approved, it is anticipated that the proposed project would address a variety of needs and enhancements that will vastly improve student safety and protect district-wide investments. The scope of work under consideration includes: a new parent drop off-loop, a new bus loop, additional parking (relieving our reliance on off-site parking), improved traffic patterns, a new Elementary School secure main entry, upgraded finishes to the Elementary School lobby, property purchase of 3.82 acres from Hazlitt’s, a new bus garage, a new vehicle fueling island, demolition of the existing bus garage, and restoration of the current bus garage space. The project is an investment in our future that addresses many security and infrastructure needs.
Q: Why aren't we just renovating the current bus garage?
A: The current bus garage was built in 1948. It is in need of significant repair and upgrades. According to state law, whenever you renovate or repair a space as part of a capital project, you must bring that space up to current building code. The cost of doing this would be nearly similar to building a new facility. Given the lack of space around the current bus garage, it would be very difficult to erect a building that meets code while providing space for our bus fleet. Additionally, the location of the current bus garage is not ideal from a safety perspective. Bus traffic around the High School facility creates an additional hazard for students, staff, and the community. Building on a new site will allow us to maintain,without interruption,current busing operations.
Q: What will happen to the area where the current bus garage lies?
A: The current plan is to return that area to green space/field space. Please see the website for additional visual plans.
Q: Why is voter approval needed?
A: Just as we are required to seek voter authorization for our Annual Operating Budget, any time a School District in New York State proposes a Capital Improvement project, a Public Referendum (Vote) is necessary. The purpose is to allow community members a voice in deciding whether they are in favor (or not), of the expenditure of District funds for the specific project purpose. Additionally, a “Capital Reserve” fund was established for the purpose of providing a portion of the Capital Project financing, and voter approval is required to authorize the expenditure of those funds as well.
Q: If the project is approved, when would it start?
A: After voter approval, the plans and specifications will need to be completed by the architects and engineers and will be submitted to New York State for approval (SED issues our “building permit”). This process and approval from the state can take up to a year. Work will begin in the late summer or fall of 2018 with anticipated completion by the end of 2020. The construction schedule would seek to minimize disruptions to the school day.
Q: Isn't State Aid just my tax dollars too?
A: Yes, it is. The New York State Legislature has given all Districts in the state an opportunity to use tax dollars to enhance their communities through school building improvements and renovations. This is an opportunity to keep some of those tax dollars in our own community and improve safety and the educational setting for our children.
Q: Why doesn't the District just include these items in the annual budget?
A: By creating a Capital Project from the work that needs to be done, the District will receive back approximately 63.7 cents on every dollar spent. Without that reimbursement from New York State, the entire cost would rest on the taxpayers.
Q: What happens if the Capital Project is not approved?
A: Costs could go up. The financing for this project will allow the Naples Central School District to spread payments for the work over several years to correspond with the building aid that we receive from the State. If not approved, several of the items will need to be addressed in the annual operating budget, and would generate NO State Building Aid (100% local share).
Q: If the project is approved, when will the work be completed?
A: After voter approval, the plans and specifications will need to be completed by the architects and engineers and will be submitted to New York State for approval (SED issues our “building permit”). This process and approval from the state can take up to a year. Work will begin in the late summer or fall of 2018 with anticipated completion by the end of 2020. The construction schedule would seek to minimize disruptions to the school day.
Q: How can we learn more about the project?
A: We encourage the community to attend a Public Information session on May 1, 2017 at 6:30 pm, in the Elementary School Cafeteria. Additional information can be found on the District’s website at www.naplescsd.org , as well as contacting the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent for Business or any Board Member. A brochure including project information will be mailed out in late April or early May.
Q: What if we have additional questions?
A: Please contact Matthew Frahm, Superintendent of Schools at 585-374-7901 or Mitchell Ball, Assistant Superintendent for Business at 585-374-7902.
Q: When and where do I vote?
A: Tuesday, May 16, 2017 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the HS Library.
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