Club President Kristin Keller welcomed all to the club meeting
Kevin Courtney offered the prayer and led the pledge to the flag
Filling in for Sergeant at Arms, Suzi Oliver, Kevin collected Happy $$.
Speaker:
Our own Ray Warco was the speaker. He is a member of CLOC - Citizens Led Oversight Committee for the local Bond Referendums. He updated us on the 2019 Bond Referendum as well as told us of the upcoming one in 2023.
The 2019 Bond referendum for 342 million has been used for the safety and security upgrades at all the Beaufort School District schools as well as career and technology upgrades. So far, 92% has been spent with vast benefits received at the Hilton Head Middle School. Ray explained the finances of bond selling and how there was a $31 million in savings. The main purpose of his presentation was to make us aware of the 2023 Bond Referendum and what it will be used for. There is a 980 million dollar need, which has gotten down to $439 million. 30 - 40% of it will go the Hilton Head High School which has huge needs. There are other needs at schools in the district as well, including Bluffton elementary. Emphasis is on the fact that the new referendum will not increase property taxes because they are paying down the debt so fast. Check out beaufortschools.net for more information.
This was the last meeting of the Rotary year and was a joyful one for President Kristin.
After serving as Club President for TWO years, Kristin enjoyed the moments of adding her "past President" plaque to the Past President's banner. Congratulations, Kristin. Thank you for your outstanding leadership and dedication.