BLUE EARTH - Blue Earth Area Schools is moving forward on renewing its operating levy.
Jim Schmitt, from consultant Springsted, outlined options Monday and discussed his rates.
He reviewed the 2004 referendum since Blue Earth Area is looking at asking the public for the same amount. The 2004 levy was good for five years.
Schmitt estimates the cost of consulting to be from $2,500 to $3,000. The high end includes an extremely extensive and detailed timeline for $500.
"My opinion is you don't need it," he said. "We can provide you with the major dates."
The other major options from the 2004 levy are the tax impact and online personal tax calculations. Those options cost $1,000 each.
Board members Dawn Fellows and Frankie Bly said they liked having the Web calculation tool, because it gave citizens the ability to figure how much the levy would cost them.
Board member Vickie Hanson asked if Springsted could calculate the tax impact first: If the impact is quite close to 2004's, the district could forego the Web calculator.
Schmitt said that is an option.
Other services Springsted will provide are pre-campaign planning, campaign support and legal assistance through another firm.
Superintendent Dale Brandsoy asked the board to approve working with Springsted again.
"We want to make sure everything we put out as a district is neutral," he said. "I think that is worth having a contract with somebody like Springsted. Last time, Springsted helped us and I think the committee was very comfortable working with them."
The board unanimously approved hiring Springsted, with board member Shane Becker absent.
In other action Monday, the board approved service bids for 2009-2010.
The low bid for bakery was Sara Lee with four of seven items coming in substantially lower than Pan-O-Gold.
The low dairy bid was Sampson at 20 percent to 30 percent less than last year's quotes.
Waste Management was awarded the waste removal bid at about $16,000, while B&B Sanitation bid about $17,500.
Snow removal had two bidders, with the low bid from Ron's Trenching for $45.
Softener salt was awarded to Coxworth Water Conditioning at $.085 per pound.
Diesel and ethanol enhanced fuel was awarded to Kwik Trip for cars/vans and buses. For vehicles at the Winnebago garage, Krull-Crosby was awarded the low bid.