Miamisburg Board of Education considers options with levy defeat

The five-year, 7.06-mill replacement levy passed by a wide margin 3,866 to 2,767.

But a three-year, 6.58-mill emergency operating levy was defeated by 374 votes out of more than 6,600 cast. While only 26 percent of registered voters in the school district cast their ballots, the turnout was considered high for a special election.

The $4.5 million in cuts will not take place until next school year.

Mark Schiel, the school district treasurer, said since the failed levy was first considered in October, the district has had both positive and negative changes to their financial picture.

On the plus side, there have been some mid-year retirements and insurance premiums have actually decreased.

But negative factors have affected the budget, too.

There has been a further decrease in property values, interest earnings have substantially declined and appeals for property reappraisals have led to a further shortfall.

Superintendent Dallas Jackson said every expenditure is being scrutinized. He said the district needs to share their story and discuss their urgent need with the community.

Jackson challenged the board to “move forward” with plans to place another levy on the May ballot. This “resolution of necessity” is required now so the board can meet a Saturday, Feb. 13, deadline for filing with the Montgomery County auditor’s office.

The school district provides a figure for the dollars they need the levy to generate, and the county figures a millage requirement for the levy.

The question facing the board was how many dollars they should ask voters to support. Should the levy be for the same amount already tuned down? Less? More?

After a lengthy discussion, the board decided to request the millage for three dollar amounts: $6.775 million (the same as Feb. 2), $7.275 million and $7.775 million. All levies would be for a period of three years.

The board will meet again Feb. 16 to decide which levy to place on the May ballot.

Answering citizen concerns, the board said the next levy campaign will be heavy on information and the specifics of the district’s need.