If Renewal Levy Goes on Fall Ballot, it Won't End after 5 Years

No one knows yet if there will be a school levy on the November ballot -- it depends on several things, including whether the 6.9-mill issue passes Aug. 2.

But if voters approve the new levy in August and the school board puts a renewal on the November ballot, it will be a little different version of the one that's being collected now.

Board members agreed last week to seek the 6-mill renewal as a continuing levy, rather than a five-year issue.

It would not raise taxes, but it would be collected indefinitely.

Leaving it as a five-year measure, "you'd never get out of the levy cycle -- ever," said Treasurer Bill Parkinson, who suggested the change.

Board member Carl Naso was leery, saying voting on renewals every few years "gives the public a chance to grade us."

The board voted 4-1 to place the 6-mill renewal, which expires at the end of 2012 and generates about $7 million a year, on the ballot this November as a continuing levy.

Board President Jennifer Sinisgalli voted no. "I haven't had enough time to contemplate it," she said.

Because of a quirk in Ohio law, the board has to decide before the outcome of the Aug. 2 special election whether to place any levies on the November general election ballot.

To be on the safe side, the board agreed to place the new 6.9-mill levy, which would bring in about $10 million a year, on the fall ballot, in case it does not pass next month. 

It also agreed to put the renewal levy before voters in November. 

But one or both of the issues will be removed after the results of the Aug. 2 election are known.