Option B Hearing Complete
By Stacey Creasy
Pilot News
PLYMOUTH � Testimony began Wednesday in the lawsuit that will determine the fate of Option B, the Plymouth School expansion before a packed Marshall Circuit Courtroom.
Within a few days the school corporation should know if their counter-filing will result in a public lawsuit.
Indianapolis attorney John Price filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Marshall County Tax Awareness Committee.
TAC is opposed to the $26.4 million Option B because its members believe the project will place to much of a burden on property taxpayers.
On Wednesday Special Judge Duane Huffer heard more than nine hours of testimony.
Witnesses from the school corporation and TAC testified. Judy Stone took the stand while Price attempted to point out the problems with the petitions and the process.
Attorney Gary J. Dankert and county attorney Jim Clevenger pointed out during the drive, the parties and Quivey agreed on a common set of rules.
TAC members took the stand and explained what the watchdog group attempts to do in the community.
The plaintiffs rested and Plymouth Superintendent Dr. John Hill was called to the stand.
The expansion was explained as well how the school conducted its petition drive.
Witnesses also testified about the meeting where both sides agreed to the rules of the petition drive.
John Julian also testified about the financing aspects of the project. If the school does not file the proper paperwork for the tax bond by Dec. 31, the school will be unable to collect money for the project until 2004.
Huffer is expected to rule on the public lawsuit motion in a matter of days.
The judge said he will contact the parties and the court by fax of his decision.
(Kathy Bottorff of WTCA radio contributed to this report).
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