$26.7 million bond issue for improvements to Manchester schools headed to voters

The school board recently voted in favor of the building plan, which if successful will see the construction of a multi-purpose field house connecting the junior and senior high buildings, the installation of new turf on the football field and relocation of central offices in the elementary and intermediate buildings, among other things.

The anticipated cost over a 20-year bond period is $26.7 million, according to estimates provided by Umbaugh and Associates. Those same estimates suggest residents could see an annual increase in their tax bills of $70 to $140 for homeowners, $215 for commercial property owners and $3.40 per acre for agricultural land owners.

But the question will now be included on the November ballot.

The Office of Voter Registration said on Facebook on Tuesday that it has certified 535 signatures, 10 more than the required 525.