School board considers special all-mail election

CLOVIS — The Clovis Municipal Schools Board of Education held a special meeting on Monday to consider the resolution and proclamation of a special all-mail election to be held in February. On the ballot for election, for which results will be announced Feb. 16, be the renewal of $10 million in general obligation bonds, as well as the new addition of a public school capital improvements act tax.

“The reason for the special meeting is that it has become apparent to us that there is a huge benefit if we can hold a $2 million levy election at the same time that we do the general obligation bond election,” Art Melendres of the Modrall Sperling Law Firm said. “What we did is ask for you all to come together this evening and approve and additional election proclamation which will enable us to put before the voters what we call the SB9, or the $2 million tax levy.”

The board voted unanimously to approve the resolution and move forward with working with the Curry County Clerk’s Office to get the issue on the ballot. Part of that process was holding the meeting at a time where media could report their decision to the public by Tuesday.

Their approval means that there will be two questions presented to voters on behalf of CMS during the Feb. 16 election. The question regarding their capital improvements act tax includes details about the property tax and what it will be used for in the coming years. Taxing will remain at $2 per $1,000 of net taxable value of property allocated to the CMS district from 2021 through 2026.

Those funds will be used for the likes of purchasing and improving public school grounds, maintaining CMS property, purchasing vehicles for extracurricular activities, purchasing computer software for student use, and installing new technology to further the educational process.

Superintendent Renee Russ said that a calendar of informational events for the public, along with videos and pamphlets with details about the election, will be discussed the regular meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.