TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – A facilities bond is on the ballot for Jefferson West Voters, but the issue has caused some cracks in the foundation of this small community over the past few months.

The new tax will be used to fund major renovations to the school district.

This process began with a facility assessment conducted in 2022 that identified significant needs priced out of the district’s financing capacity. A “facilities committee” met this spring to encourage the community to consider a bond proposal that would help the district afford projects that would meet those needs.

A committee of Jeff West’s parents, faculty and community members is holding meetings to support the bond under the name “”.Yes vote for Jeff West.”

But they have recently encountered opposition:No vote for Jeff West” group.

“Vote No on Jeff West” representatives, who wished to remain anonymous, told 13 News the dispute is not about school improvements but about a required increase in property taxes.

The $21 million bond would increase the mill tax by 17.50 mills over the next 25 years, meaning a home worth $200,000 would see an increase of $402.50 per year in that range.

A statement from community members opposing the bond suggested applying for federal grants rather than putting the burden on taxpayers.

Facilities committee chairman Charlie Ochs touched on the idea at the last town hall meeting before Election Day.

“Even if we applied for all the grants, it is not possible to obtain sufficient funds to support the bond through these grants,” Ochs said. “We’re asking the average homeowner to pay $1.10 a day; we think that’s pretty reasonable and pretty average compared to surrounding school districts to make much-needed improvements that our aging facilities can no longer keep up with.”

Concerns have also been raised about conflicts of interest with the company involved, but Ochs says any company must go through a government-required process.

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