Given the economic climate, the capital project vote on Thursday, Dec. 11, may be the last chance for a long time for the residents of the Jordan-Elbridge to secure significant funding for capital project work that will greatly benefit students and the community for many years to come.

There is no question that we are headed into tough economic times. It is exactly for this reason that it is critically important to act now when the District#'s building aid ratio is at an all time high. A majority of the work proposed will need to be done at some point in the not-too-distant future. The cost of not acting will be considerably higher if the state decreases building aid on future projects.

I know many people question the need for the outdoor playing field work in Propositions No. 2 and No. 3, especially the all-weather field (Proposition No. 3). In fact, these propositions significantly increase the overall aidability of the entire project.

In addition, I encourage residents to think of these two propositions as investments in local economic development. On average these two propositions combined will cost about $8 a year for a $100,000 property assessed at full value with a Basic STAR exemption, and about $5 a year with an Enhanced (Senior) STAR exemption.

I ask myself, “Will an $8 investment per year result in more than $8 in real tax base growth?#” I believe it will. The resulting economic development would expand the tax base in real terms, which in turn, would reduce the average cost of high quality education and extra-curricular activities for everyone. All too often companies and agencies stop investing in the very things that could help their situation during tough times, causing an even greater spiraling decline.

It is important to know that nothing is being done in a vacuum. Other initiatives to manage spending are being pursued in earnest. For example, Jordan-Elbridge has played a lead role in consolidating back office business functions among area school districts and will continue to play an integral role in expanding this concept going forward.

Jordan-Elbridge is a beautiful community with much to offer. The proposed project is an investment that will serve our students and community well into the 21st century. This includes attracting new residents and businesses to our community.

If you have not received a project brochure in the mail, please contact the district at 689-8500 ext. 5118 and we will get you one. This information and more is also available on the district#'s website at www.jecsd.org.

Please vote on Thursday, Dec. 11 at the high school on Hamilton Road. Note that the polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.

Bill Hamilton

Jordan

Hamilton is assistant superintendent, for business and finance for the Jordan-Elbridge Central School District