In less than a week, Pueblo voters will be asked to okay a measure that would raise property taxes to improve District 60 schools. In this Campaign 2002 Voter Guide we look at D-60's bond issue.

It's Question 3A on the Pueblo County ballot. The district is asking for $98.5 million to give schools some major upgrades. Among other things, the money would go to replace Irving Elementary, renovate and repair other D-60 schools, and replace portable and modular classrooms with permanent facilities.

If you have a home worth $100,000, the district believes you'd pay $6.85 more in property taxes each month.

Bond supporters say new schools and renovating the old ones are needed right now. The last time a bond issued passed in D-60 was 1969.

Opponents question why Irving needs to be replaced, since it was recently remodeled. And they want to know if the district considered a mill levy override instead of a bond issue. That would save taxpayers about 8-million in interest.