Bond and Mill Levy Overrides
Our Bond and Mill Levy Override page highlights both current and past initiatives, providing a clear view of how bond and MLO funding have supported our schools over time. Information on previous efforts can be found by scrolling to the bottom of the page.
📌 What is a Bond?
A bond is a voter-approved way for a school district to borrow money to pay for big building projects like constructing or renovating schools, upgrading safety and security systems, and improving learning spaces. The district repays bonds over time using property tax revenue approved by voters.
📌 What is a Mill Levy Override (MLO)?
A mill levy override is a voter-approved increase in property taxes that provides additional money for operating expenses, such as teacher salaries, instructional materials, technology, and preserving school days that would otherwise be cut due to state funding shortfalls. Unlike a bond, an MLO cannot be used for construction projects.
District 51 Bond & Mill Levy Override Dates
2017 — Bond & Mill Levy Override (Measures 3A & 3B)
On this date, Mesa County voters approved both a mill levy override and a bond measure.
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Measure 3A was the MLO that provided ongoing funds for operational needs.
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Measure 3B was the bond that funded facilities improvements and major maintenance.
2021 — Bond Measure for New Grand Junction High School
In November 2021, voters said YES! on GJHS and approved a bond measure to finance the rebuilding of Grand Junction High School.
2024 — Bond and Mill Levy Override
In 2024, the community again said YES to District 51, passing both a bond and renewing a mill levy override that was about to sunset. This bond provides funding for facilities needs across the district without increasing the tax rate, and the MLO continues local support for schools’ operational priorities.