There’s some opposition to proposed plan by Elgin School District U-46 to issue $20 million in bonds to fund ongoing capital work over the next several years.

The School Board will consider the bond sale Feb. 27, but at a public hearing Feb. 6 they heard from a few community members.

If approved the money will go toward roof projects, parking lot paving, lighting work and other large capital projects.

Terry Gavin, of Elgin, asked board members to vote it down because he’s afraid it will end up affecting taxpayers.

“I’m outraged,” he said. “If you haven’t noticed, we’re in a recession.”

District officials have said the working cash bonds will not increase taxes, and they’re needed to complete capital projects throughout the district that have been delayed in the past.

But Gavin asked they put the issue to a referendum vote instead of selling bonds – which the district already did last year for other work.

Two other residents also asked for more public information on the interest rate on the bonds, and where exactly the money will be spent.

“In the very complicated world of school finance, this is a typical way for boards and districts (to fund work)…and not have to go to referendum to be able to keep everything running properly,” said School Board member Maria Bidelman.

Chief Operating Officer Jeff King has said if the bond sale is approved, he will present a capital plan at least once a year, detailing how the district will spend the $20 million. Those plans will also include information on the remaining $10 million still left over in the previous bond sale, which can only apply to certain life safety work. Other projects funded with the new bond sale could not be funded with that prior bond sale, he said.

The School Board meets next at 7 p.m. Feb. 27, at the Educational Services Center, 355 E. Chicago St. in Elgin.