Lexington Local Schools asking voters to approve 6.4-mill, 10-year renewal levy
LEXINGTON — Village residents have had questions about the school district's 6.4-mill, 10-year renewal levy in Tuesday's primary election.
For one, it is not a new tax. Secondly, the money would go for operating costs, not for a new elementary school.
"That's a completely separate issue," said Steve Risser, chairman of the renewal committee.
The levy would generate $2.705 million dollars, roughly 10% of the district's general fund budget.
"These funds are used for operational costs, including academic curriculum, instructional programs, teacher and support staff salaries, student transportation, updated technology, instructional supplies and other operating costs of the district," Treasurer Jason Whitesel said.
The renewal levy was last passed in 2014.
"The board of education at the time opted for 10-year renewals, so it gave them some time to get the bond issue for the school passed," Risser said.
In September 2022, Lexington opened a grade 7-12 building with money from a bond issue. It is waiting to hear from the state about when money will be available for a new elementary building.
District last asked for new operating money in 2011
"We don’t take the support we receive from our community lightly, and we consistently look to make decisions to avoid having to ask for new operating money for as long as possible," Whitesel said. "As a district, we have not had to ask our voters to approve new operating money since 2011, approximately 13 years ago, and we’re happy that continues to be the case.
"We are extremely appreciative of our residents, businesses, parents and students, and we’re thankful that we are able to move forward with a renewal of an existing levy as opposed to a new money tax levy."
When the school board filed with the county auditor, the levy was certified at 6.4 mills. Following property reappraisals, the millage actually dropped to 4.9, though it will appear on the ballot as 6.4.
Whitesel said the levy generates a fixed sum, regardless of the property reappraisals.
As an existing renewal levy, it remains subject to homestead and rollback deductions covered by the state. This offsets a portion of the tax for the community of approximately 12.5%, or approximately $338,000 annually.
Because of Ohio law, district employees cannot promote passage of a levy. That's where Risser and the renewal committee of nine people come in.
Risser said the committee has taken a grassroots approach to promoting the levy with signs, events and social media posts.
"For the most part, it (feedback) has been positive," he said. "People have been understanding."
Risser became involved because he is a 1994 Lexington graduate and has children in the 10th and seventh grades.
"I've got a lot invested here," he said at last month's school board meeting. "It's been a great school system for myself and my kids. I want to make sure that tradition of excellence continues."
For more information, visit https://www.lexington.k12.oh.us/images/LexingtonRenewalLevyMarch24FAQS.pdf.
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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Lexington Local Schools asking voters to approve renewal levy
