November 5 Incremental Operating Levy
Bexley Schools has placed Issue 36 on the November 5 ballot requesting a five- year incremental property tax levy to fund the district’s ongoing operating expenses. In September, the Board of Education adopted a Financial Statement of Facts proactively outlining the two outcomes–what will occur if the levy passes and if it fails. What’s an Incremental Levy? An incremental levy is phased in gradually to reduce the immediate impact on taxpayers. Additional tax dollars are collected as the district expects to need them instead of upfront as a traditional levy would provide. The chart to the right shows the proposed levy’s yearly cost to residents. Why now? School districts in Ohio are required to maintain a positive cash balance. Additionally, Bexley Schools has a 70-day cash reserve policy to maintain fiscal stability. As a result of these requirements, as well as the district’s five-year forecast that predicts a deficit, the Board of Education placed the incremental operating levy on the ballot. If you have questions, residents are encouraged to attend the District Finance Review meeting on October 15 or contact treasurer Kyle Smith directly.
November 5 Incremental Operating Levy: Cost to Residents 2025 5 MILLS • $175 PER $100K 2026 +2.5 MILLS • $88 PER $100K 2027 +2.5 MILLS • $88 PER $100K 2028 +2.5 MILLS • $88 PER $100K 2029 +2.5 MILLS • $88 PER $100K
Continuation of current programs and services offered at Bexley Schools What happens if the levy passes?
What happens if the levy fails?
Budget cuts will begin in the 2025-2026 school year.
Cuts of at least $4 million and upward of $7 million would be required due to the projected deficit of continuing current staffing of programs and services. This could amount to a loss of between 30 and 60 staff.
Alignment to the community- informed Strategic Plan goals and objectives
$4 million
$7 million
Stable funding for five years with the incremental structure
73% of Bexley Schools’ budget is staff, so any cuts would likely significantly impact staffing levels and student services.
Funding will not be used for major renovations or updates to facilities
Read the levy Statement of Facts.
DID YOU KNOW?
DISTRICTS DO NOT RECEIVE ADDITIONAL PROPERTY TAX REVENUE, outside minimal increases on inside millage, unless voters pass new levies, even if property values increase.
BEXLEY SPENDS MORE ON INSTRUCTIONAL, STAFF, AND PUPIL SUPPORT than the state average and about the same or less as a percentage of expenditures on administrative costs and facility operations.
School districts must maintain a POSITIVE CASH BALANCE and end each year in the black.
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