BROOKINGS – The deadline to file for the April 10 municipal/school election was 5 p.m. Friday, and nine candidates have thrown their hats in the ring.
There are two races on the Brookings City Council, with a total of six candidates, plus a three-way contest for two seats on the Brookings School Board.
Brookings School District voters will also decide on a proposed property tax opt-out this spring.
City offices
There are two three-year seats open on the council, currently held by Patty Bacon and Nick Wendell. Both have filed, as have Nick Schmeichel and Verna Longville.
The other seat opening is a one-year position currently held by Holly Tilton Byrne. She has filed, as has Joey Collins.
The mayor’s seat, currently held by Keith Corbett, has a three-year term. Corbett will retain the post as he was unopposed in his bid for re-election.
School board
Two spots are opening on the Brookings School Board, now held by Steve Bayer, who has declined to run again, and Randy Grimsley.
Three candidates filed for the posts: Grimsley, former Brookings School District Superintendent Roger DeGroot and Deb DeBates, who filed her nominating petitions Friday.
Board members serve three-year terms.
Opt out
Also part of the April 10 election will be a Brookings School District vote on a proposed $5.1 million annual property tax opt out that would last for 10 years, raising a total of $51 million from property taxpayers.
This would increase the school district tax levy from 34 cents per $1,000 in valuation to $2.295 per $1,000.
The opt out is being proposed to help the district close the gap between limited resources and the needs and wants of students, staff and the district. If nothing is done, the district is facing more than $750,000 in cuts just to balance its budget.
If approved, the extra revenue would also be used to add faculty, administrators and staff in a variety of areas and pay for training and enhancements to district and program development. It also aims to reduce class sizes in Brookings schools.
The last day to register to vote in the city/school election is March 26, and early voting begins the same day.
