Cincinnati voters approve 11 levies securing $88 million for schools
Eleven districts across Greater Cincinnati ask residents to approve new levies on Tuesday, with Cincinnati Public Schools seeking the largest annual increase.
By Chioma Brooks ·
Voters in Greater Cincinnati will decide on 11 separate school tax levies on Tuesday. The measures include property taxes, operating levies, and earned income taxes. The outcome will determine whether local districts must cut programs or staff positions in the coming years.
Cincinnati Public Schools presents the largest financial ask. The district proposes a five-year, seven-mill operating property tax levy. This measure is estimated to generate more than $66 million annually. District officials stated that the funding is necessary to keep schools functioning normally. They warned that without the levy, the state risks taking over the district.
Lakota Local Schools seeks a different type of financing. Voters will consider a $223 million replacement bond. The funds would support the district's master facilities plan. This bond issue stands apart from the operating levies proposed by other neighboring districts.
Six districts will ask voters to approve earned income tax levies. These districts are Fairfield, Franklin, Lebanon, North College Hill, Northwest, and Southwest Local Schools. These taxes take a percentage of residents' earnings to fund local school operations.
Three districts are proposing new property tax levies. These are Cincinnati Public Schools, Sycamore Community Schools, and Winton Woods City Schools. Property tax levies are based on the assessed value of real estate within the district boundaries.
Two districts have distinct voting items. Bethel Tate Local Schools is seeking to extend its existing fixed-sum operating levy. This is not a new tax but a continuation of a previous agreement. Lakota Local Schools is the only district in the group seeking a bond issue rather than an operating revenue stream.
Budget pressures drive these requests. Most of the 11 districts have already implemented cuts for the current school year. A majority of these districts face projected budget deficits of at least one million dollars. Some districts have not asked for levies in years, while others return to the ballot after previous failed attempts.
