PHOENIX, Ore. -- The November 7, 2017 bond proposal is focused on improving schools in the Phoenix-Talent school district and will cause taxes to increase for residents.

If passed the average taxpayer would pay an additional $0.54 on top of the $0.94 that they currently pay per $1,000 of assessed property value. If you own a $200,000 home this would equate to $108 per year and about $9 per month.

The money would go towards the following items:

1. Orchard Hill Elementary $5,212,358
2. Phoenix Elementary $5,405,564
3. Talent Elementary $5,465,837
4. Talent Middle School $6,792,604

Total for Elementary & Middle School Construction $22,876,363
Total for Phoenix High School Construction $48,332,697

Included in the construction plans:

1. Improve safety and security in all buildings.
2. Increasing accessibility for people with disabilities.
3. Renovating and constructing Phoenix High School's education facilities including Career Technical Education buildings and athletic facilities.
4. Providing seismic upgrades at all schools.
5. Modernizing all schools, including improvements to heating, ventilation, energy efficiency and lighting.

If the bond is passed the Oregon School Capital Improvement Matching (OSCIM) Grant will match $4,000,000. The Bond Steering Committee chose to of set the costs of these projects ($72 million) with these funds. If the bond fails to pass then these funds will be diverted to another district.