By Tom Davis
Correspondent
DAYTON, Tenn. — A new high school for Rhea County would cost about $32.5 million, according to an estimate presented to the County Commission this week.
School board Chairman Dale Harris told commissioners before their regular work shop session that the estimate is for a 280,000-square-foot building to serve about 2,000 students.
County financial adviser Tom McAnulty, senior vice president of Stephens Inc. in Nashville, discussed funding options for the building. Those ranged from reallocating money appropriated to the county schools to reducing the county’s obligation to Dayton City Schools to a property tax increase.
Commissioners took no action except to ask Mr. McAnulty to re-examine the county budget and the school board’s presentation and to prepare additional recommendations.
During their workshop, commissioners agreed to a proposal from MainStreet Dayton to beautify the area around the courthouse lawn in the coming year at the organization’s expense. Spokesman Kerry Nabors said MainStreet would like to replace benches around the courthouse, develop a plaza at the Market Street entrance to the courthouse and put signs on county-owned parking lots.
By the numbers* 32.5 million: School cost* 280,000 square feet: Size* 2,000: Students servedSource: Rhea County Schools
Commissioner Tracy Taylor complimented the organization, saying, “What you have done downtown looks good.”
Road Supervisor Tommy Snyder asked commissioners to give the highway department $350,000 for the fiscal year that begins July 1. He said state gas tax revenue is down sharply while materials costs keep rising.
Commissioners referred the matter to the budget committee.