(Batesville, Ind.) - Taxpayers in Batesville have a chance to voice support or opposition for a multi-million dollar plan to improve school buildings.

Batesville Community Schools are seeking a $12 million remonstrance. Of that amount, $10 million would go to renovations of Batesville Middle School for a two-story addition of classrooms, renovations in the original 1957 building and allowing third graders to be transferred from Batesville Primary School. The remaining $2 million would be divided up among other projects in the district.

A public 1028 hearing will be held Tuesday, Sept. 21 at 6:00 p.m. at the middle school.

Batesville Schools asked voters in a referendum last November for $28 million in bonds. The ballot issue failed with 61 percent of voters against it.

The remonstrance process allows the district to bypass the ballot box but still obtain a smaller amount of tax revenue capped at $12 million.

Opponents have the opportunity to gather 125 signatures in a petition against it, but must file the petition by Oct. 31 otherwise the district could begin the project immediately.

If the petition were verified, supporters and opponents would then be pitted in a signature campaign.  Whichever side gained the most names would win.