Perry Township referendums pass, others fail

Voters in the Metropolitan School District of Perry Township passed two referendums for increased school funding Tuesday night, but similar referendums in Franklin Township and Avon failed.

In Perry Township, unofficial results showed 57 percent of voters approving a property-tax increase of 30 cents per each $100 of assessed valuations over the next seven years to boost the school district's operating budget by $10 million. About 59 percent of voters voted to approve bonds for up to $50 million in facilities improvements.

The increases are expected to boost property taxes in the Perry Township district by $19.73 per month for a median-priced home of $131,500 starting in 2012.

Franklin Township's referendum would have added a 75-cent property-tax increase per $100 in assessed value in order to raise $13 million for the school system. That would have averaged out to $38.14 per month for the average $143,500 home. About 64 percent of voters rejected the increase.

Franklin Township administrators said prior to the vote that dozens of positions and numerous programs would be cut if the referendum failed.

In Hendricks County, Avon Community School Corp.'s referendum would have added a 17-cent tax increase per $100 in property value to raise about $3.5 million. That would have averaged out to an additional $13.89 per month for the average $200,000 home. About 63 percent of voters turned down the increase.

Avon school officials had said they would have to cut about 40 positions as well as several programs without the additional funding.