by Kristin Casale
Associate Editor
Stow -- The Stow-Munroe Falls School District is asking voters to renew a levy Nov. 6 to fund its operating expenses.
Issue 13 -- a five-year, 7.61-mill levy -- is set to expire this year. The tax, which was passed in 2003, generates approximately $7.3 million for the district annually. The levy would continue to cost the owner of a $100,000 home $233.06 during the first collection year in 2009 if it is renewed.
District Superintendent Dr. Russell Jones said the levy comprises "15 percent of the district's operations."
According to Jones, the levy would continue to fund the district's general operating expenses if it is renewed.
He said budget cuts would "not immediately" be required if the levy is not renewed, though "the issue will return to the voters if it is not passed on Nov. 6."
School Board President John Pribonic said Issue 13 must pass "to continue the excellence" of the district.
"It shouldn't come as any surprise we were named an excellent school district" by the Ohio Department of Education this year, he said. "We also received the Meritorious Budget Award."
He said maintaining an excellent school district maintains the community's real estate values.
Pribonic urged voters to renew the levy, stating a 15-percent loss of revenue "would be very detrimental."
Additional
levies in place
The Stow-Munroe Falls School District has three property tax levies in place that were approved by voters in addition to the renewal levy on the Nov. 6 ballot.
In 2005, voters approved a five-year, 5.13-mill renewal levy designed to generate approximately $4.631 million per year. The levy will cost the owner of a $100,000 occupied home $157.11 in 2007, and the tax will expire in 2010.
A continuing 12.08-mill levy passed in 1976 generates approximately $11.54 million annually. The levy will cost the owner of a $100,000 home $369.95 in 2007.
An additional continuing levy, currently set at 3.18 mills and passed in 1977, is designed to generate approximately $3.21 million annually. The owner of a $100,000 home will pay $97.42 for the levy in 2007.
Residents also pay for a 5.4-mill permanent tax that collects approximately $5.21 million per year and does not expire. The tax, which did not require approval from the voters, will cost the owner of a $100,000 home $165.37 in 2007.
E-mail: kcasale@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-686-3917