Wawasee pauses $31M project as lawmakers debate property tax reform

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Staff Report

SYRACUSE — Uncertainty about state property tax reform by the General Assembly has led Wawasee School Corporation to pause plans to construct a new activity center.

Superintendent Dr. Steve Troyer and the Wawasee Community School Board announced a temporary pause on the student activity center project “To ensure responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”

This decision, announced in a news release, comes as state lawmakers consider property tax reform, which could create financial uncertainty for public school districts across Indiana, the news release said.

Plans for the activity center began two years ago and two public hearings on the issue were heald earlier this year.

The entire project, which includes other upgrades and the repaving of a parking lot, was expected to cost about $31 million.

Officials pointed to two bills that could significantly impact the district’s operations and debt service fund. 

Given these uncertainties, “WCSC has determined that it is prudent to delay further action on the project until the full impact of legislative changes is understood,” the release states.

Moving forward with so many financial unknowns would be irresponsible, the statement said.

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