Overview
Local authorization of Feasibility Study and Schematic Design funding is a requirement of the Eligibility Period. A city, town, regional school district, or independent agricultural and technical school (“District”) must secure the funds necessary for the Feasibility Study and Schematic Design phases of the potential project within the 270-day Eligibility Period. Specifically, these costs are associated with the Owner’s Project Manager, Designer, Environmental and Site Testing, and “contingency” related expenses.
Requirements
Once a District has successfully secured its Feasibility Study and Schematic Design funds and completed all other Eligibility Period deliverables, the MSBA will work with the District to assemble the necessary documentation to draft a Feasibility Study Agreement for the District’s execution. Local authorization of funding should be secured in accordance with the MSBA’s vote requirements, District’s local charter and/or by-laws, and any other applicable laws or requirements.
The MSBA provides template vote language for Districts to use when drafting the vote language. While communities should always consult with local counsel and/or bond counsel to ensure that all warrant articles, motions, orders, and votes comply with municipal finance law and all other applicable laws, regulations, local bylaws, and local ordinances, Districts must also provide a draft version for the MSBA’s review and approval well ahead of the vote and any other associated local deadlines.
Following a successful local funding vote, the District should provide an electronic copy of the certified vote via email to the assigned Project Coordinator.
Funding
The specific amount secured for Feasibility Study and Schematic Design is at the discretion of the District and may vary based on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of a potential project, the number and complexity of potential site(s) to be investigated, and the potential consolidation and/or reconfiguration decisions that have been previously determined, discussed, and agreed upon between the District and the MSBA.
To assist Districts in determining an amount to secure, the MSBA provides current and historical cost data for MSBA-funded projects, categorized by type of school.
Failed Vote
If a District fails to secure funding for a Feasibility Study and Schematic Design, by no later than ten business days following the failed vote, the District should contact the assigned Project Coordinator in accordance with the MSBA’s Failed Vote Policy.
