City Schools of Decatur Attorney Bob Wilson. Photo by Dan Whisenhunt

The City Schools of Decatur Board of Education on July 8 approved contracts to begin renovations of Renfroe Middle and Decatur High.

The school system borrowed $18 million in certificates of participation money, referred to as COPs, to pay for the projects. School Board Attorney Bob Wilson handled some of the work related to borrowing the money, but donated his firm’s $25,000 in fees back to the school system, according to BOE members.

“We are very grateful for that. Mr. Wilson is valued in many ways … for him to do that when he didn’t have to do that, that was a great gift and a great gesture on your part,” Chairwoman Bernadette Seals said.

Board members approved the following contracts to be funded using the COPs money.

– Construction Management/Design Build Contract with Winter Construction, $950,000

– Design and Community Interaction Contract with Cooper Carry Architects and Community Listening and Planning, $285,350

– Environmental Special Inspections Material Testing and Geo Technical Services Unit Price Contract with ATC/Cardno, $150,000 $200,000

It wasn’t the only gift to the school system announced during the board meeting. Board members also accepted a $100,000 private donation to buy iPads for sixth grade at Renfroe Middle School.

The board also adopted a millage rate of 20.5 mills, reducing the rate from 20.9 mills.

CSD provided this comparison showing how the new millage will affect taxpayers. Property assessments have increased for some Decatur homeowners this year, meaning their tax bills will likely go up, too.