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bond issues

Voters pass area school levies

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By Dave Larsen, Staff Writers Updated 2:54 AM Wednesday, November 4, 2009

A twice-defeated bond request for Xenia schools scored a narrow victory on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Greene County voters approved a 3.2-mill bond request to build five new elementary schools by 453 votes. The bond issue received 5,141 votes, or 53 percent, with 100 percent of precincts reporting.

The five new schools will replace the seven aging buildings now serving the district.

The $56 million plan was a scaled back version of the two past issues that voters defeated in November 2008 and again in May. Those losing plans included construction of a new high school that community focus groups found unnecessary and too expensive, according to school officials.

The current 3.2-mill bond issue will cost $98 for every $100,000 of property value, according to the Greene County Auditor’s office.

Here’s a look at other school levy results Tuesday, according to unofficial results at county election boards:

Beavercreek

Voters approved a 1-mill levy renewal for Beavercreek schools.

The levy passed 62 percent to 38 percent in Greene County, or 9,736 votes to 5,966. In Montgomery County, where a small portion of the school district sits, the levy passed 271-245 or 53 percent to 47 percent.

“We’re very thrilled and are very blessed by a community that supports our schools,” Superintendent Gale Mabry said.

The levy raises about $800,000 annually for permanent improvements such as maintenance, computers and technology, school buses and any capital item that lasts five years or longer, Mabry said.

Piqua

Voters approved the renewal of a 1.8-mill, five-year permanent improvements levy for Piqua City Schools.

The levy received 2,279 votes, or 60 percent, with 100 percent of precincts reporting on Tuesday, Nov, 3.

“A huge thank you to a supportive community that has gotten behind the school district,” said Rick Hanes, Piqua school superintendent.

Approval of the renewal levy allows the district to continue doing maintenance and upkeep on its facilities, Hanes said.

“Some of the work that needs to be done with the buildings can be done now,” Hanes said.

The levy will cost the owner of a $100,000 home $48.30 a year, according to the Miami County Auditor’s office. First approved in 1994, the levy generates about $774,000 a year. The current levy expires Dec. 31.

Piqua City Schools has been rated “excellent” for the last two years by the Ohio State Board of Education.

Also Tuesday, voters approved 54 percent to 46 percent a multi-county 0.46-mill levy to pay the 25 percent local share of updating the 35-year-old Upper Valley Joint Vocational School in Piqua. The bond issue will pay the $7.2 million local share, with $17.4 million coming from the Ohio School Facilities Commission.

Jefferson Twp.

Voters renewed a 9.5-mill levy for Jefferson Twp. schools. The operating levy, which generates $472,145 a year, passed 57 percent to 43 percent.

“I am ecstatic, totally pleased, especially for our students,” school board President Rose Slaughter said.

First passed in 2004, the levy costs the owner of a $100,000 home $135 a year, according to the Montgomery County Auditor’s Office.

Cedar Cliff

Voters approved a combination 8.5-mill property tax levy and quarter percent income tax that will raise $14 million in the next 28 years. The levy passed 58 percent to 42 percent, or 814-583.

Those funds will be the local share, or 48 percent, of a $25 million project to replace the aging pre-kindergarten through 12th grade building, parts of which were built in 1917 and 1932. More than half of the project will be funded through the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission, which uses state tobacco money to fund school construction.

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I define a moron as someone who votes for ANY tax increase. This sends a message to the governement that we are not taxed enough as it is. What is wrong with you people? And if you didn't vote yesterday, you don't have a right to be upset!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ken
4:45 PM, 11/4/2009

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Jack, what's it like to live a life consumed with anger, hatred and fear?

AngerManagement
4:15 PM, 11/4/2009

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M. You don't have a clue...........Yes, the Landlords do pay the property taxes but where do you think the money comes from??????? RENTERS! Every person should do what they can for the communities and school systems in the area. We need to pull together in a positive manner and get back on track. If we do not invest in our schools there will be much greater poverty and crime. Please help each other.......pray.

BurbDweller
3:55 PM, 11/4/2009

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Weren't the vast majority of the school issues that passed renewals? If so, this isn't really news because renewals on most anything pass (as they should if it's proven to be working and adequate). Just wondering.

not really news?
2:49 PM, 11/4/2009

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That side trip is exactly why they so easily vote YES on increases because it comes from the landlord not directly from their pocket. If the landlord trys to raise rent they skip out or destroy the place. They have no vested interest to say no!

M
2:19 PM, 11/4/2009

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