What would the impact of a $56 million bond to build a new Davie County High School have on taxpayers?

According to Commissioner Mark Jones, the starting point for that conversation should be a 12.3-cent increase in the property tax rate.

Jones, speaking after County Manager Beth Dirks announced that next month, commissioners would be receiving materials needing to be approved for a May 2014 vote, said the numbers came from Deputy County Manager Jim Stockert.

He said he realizes that monies may come from elsewhere and rates may change, but the 12.3 cents is a starting point, based on a 4 percent interest rate.

“Public discourse can only be positive,” Jones said. “This board’s primary goal is to communicate … simply what this is going to cost them.”

The school system, he said, is doing a good job of citing the need for a new school.

“It’s a good point for us to start as we begin to communicate to the people of the county,” he said. “Groups are already meeting on both sides … for a new school and a major renovation.”

Dirks said the time-frame for the May vote is condensing quickly, and board members will have decisions such as approving resolutions and hiring counsel …