Provo School District's $35 million bond and tax-leeway election is set for June 27. If approved, the funding plan would boost property taxes on a $200,000 home by $130 over three years.

PROVO - A $35 million bond proposed by the Provo School District to build more schools makes sense to many residents.

But not to one powerful constituent: Sen. Curtis Bramble.

“We've had unprecedented funding increases in public education the last few years,” the Provo state senator told the school board this week. “I'm concerned with raising taxes. . . . I have real heartburn putting a bond on the ballot.”

Other residents also question the need to put the bond for capital improvements - along with a proposed leeway tax hike for building maintenance - before voters in a June 27 special election.

If voters sign on, the $35 million bond would be used to build a grade school in the Lakeview neighborhood, to raze and rebuild Timpanogos Elementary and to renovate other district schools.

Taxes on a $200,000 home would jump by $130 over three years - up $41 in 2006, $30 in 2007 and $59 in 2008.

Bramble said he doesn't see the need to boost taxes after the 20 percent jump in state funding for public education the past two years.

But school officials said the improved state funding, though appreciated, doesn't come close to meeting district needs.

“Could we cover expenses like a $10 million elementary school? That's what we're bonding for,” said board member Sandy Packard.

Board member Richard Sheffield added that the district has waited and meticulously planned for the bond.

“We feel like the timing is right,” he said. “We have postponed this a lot.”

But Bramble took issue with the timing of the election, suggesting the district wait until November's general election to ensure a better turnout.

Such a delay, warned Provo Superintendent Randy Merrill, would mean $2 million more in inflation costs.

“It makes no sense to wait for the taxpayers,” Merrill said.

Consequently, the district is moving forward with the June 27 election, although the board agreed to tweak vague language on the ballot.

Kurt Peterson, chairman of the Joaquin neighborhood, voiced full support for the bond.

“While the state Legislature may have improved your budget, unfortunately, you're 25 years behind in building maintenance,” Peterson said. “I would be happy to take the senator [Bramble] on a personal tour of schools . . . that need a lot of loving.”

thollingshead@sltrib.com