MOOSE LAKE - Residents of Moose Lake will soon head to the polls to vote on an issue that has the town talking.They'll decide on whether to pass a bonding referendum to build a brand new school that is costing more than $30 million.

From the outside, you really can't tell Moose Lake School is in desperate need of repair.

But underneath the layers of the old facility, are major electrical, plumbing and ventilation issues.

"It's not that we let things go it's just that things wear out after time," Moose Lake Schools Superintendent Bob Indihar said.

Instead of wasting money on temporary fixes, school officials believe now more than ever is the time to build a brand new school.

"Because interest rates are at all-time lows, construction prices are very reasonable now," said Indihar.

The proposed pre-K through 12th-grade facility would be built on Hwy 10 with a price tag of $33 million.

"I can say confidently it will be a more modern school that will meet the needs that we have," said Indihar.

The plan is to pass a bond referendum to pay for it.

Tax hikes for Moose Lake residents could be anywhere from 30 to 50 percent depending on the taxable market value of their home.

"In a sentence it's too expensive," Moose Lake resident Bill Dixon said.

"Vote No" committee members believe the tax hikes are loaded with problems.

"It would certainly be felt in a week to week day to day monthly finances," said Dixon.

They believe the high price tag for a new school could even force some retired and fixed income residents into foreclosure and the huge property taxes would scare off potential buyers.

"We're still healing from the flood this is bad timing to put more stress on the tax payers of this community," said Mach Farms Owner Abraham Mach.

They are worried local farmers like Mach who have a lot of land would be hit the hardest.

"I don't know if it pays for me to keep going," said Mach.

School officials say they understand the tax burden, but say the investment in education is the main focus.

"We need to look at it as an investment in our kids and the future of Moose Lake Schools a big part of Moose Lake," said Indihar.

"We value quality education but this is just too much," said Dixon.

Residents can vote May 21 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the school’s gym.

If the referendum is approved construction will start next spring or summer and be completed in the fall of 2015.

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