MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – On May 5, official special election results show that Marquette County voters approved a bond proposal to fund infrastructure improvements at MArquette Area Public Schools (MAPS). However, with the results being called into question, the school district’s bond planning timeline has been delayed.
Last week, it was reported that citizen Margaret Brumm requested a recount of the results, due to a discrepancy “between results first reported and final results unofficial.” The Marquette County Board of Canvassers plans to recount the results from Marquette City Precincts 3 and 4, Chocolay Township Precinct 2, and Marquette Township Precinct 1 on Thursday, May 28.
According to MAPS Superintendent Zack Sedgwick, the recount has disrupted the district’s financing schedule.
“This delay may also affect how the district levies taxes for the voter-approved bond,” Sedgwick said in a statement. “School taxes for the City of Marquette are typically levied on July 1 and collected over the summer. However, any delay in the bond sale would mean the district may need to consider placing the levy on the winter tax bill, issued December 1, to ensure we can meet our first required interest payment. We recognize this could have a financial impact on residents as they plan and budget. In addition, if the petitioner’s deposit does not fully cover the administrative and labor costs associated with the recount, any remaining election-related expenses may be billed to the district.”
Sedgwick says the district will keep families, school staff, and community members informed as the recount and adjustments occur.
