Marion Local OK'd resolution signalling need for tax levy

MARIA STEIN - School board members on Monday night took the first step toward placing a bond levy on the Nov. 7 general election ballot to finance a proposed $23.31 million building project.

The board approved a resolution declaring the need to ask voters to approve the levying of an income tax and property tax increase to pay for the project. The income tax would be for 0.5% and the property tax has been projected at 5.32 mills. However, school officials reported the exact amount of the property tax levy will be set by the Mercer County auditor.    Board members approved a second resolution requesting treasurer Amy Reineke to certify the maximum maturity of $12.315 million in bonds required for the project.

The next step will be for board members to pass a resolution to place the issue on the Nov. 7 ballot. That action is expected to be considered at the July 10 meeting. Reineke has previously stated that the deadline for having issues placed on the November ballot is Aug. 9.

The two taxes will appear as a single issue on the ballot, according to the resolution approved Monday night.

A community task force recommended to the board in April that a combination of a 0.5% income tax and a 5.32-mill 30-year bond levy, combined with about $2 million from the general fund, be used to pay for the construction of the new building. The district currently has no income tax levy.

It was reported at a community meeting in March that the income tax would cost the average taxable income in the district of $98,409 per household an estimated additional $246 per year. The cost per $100,000 of home value would be estimated at $260, bringing the total for $100,000 home value/$100,000 earned income to an estimated additional $506 per year.

The funds would be used to pay for a new 63,580-square-foot building that would include nine junior high and special education classrooms, an ag-education tech center, large gymnasium and locker rooms, coaches' offices, cafeteria/food service facilities, a commons/student dining area, a 1,000-square foot greenhouse and administrative offices.

The task force, made up of about 40 community members, conducted a series of meetings to investigate a building project. During the community meeting, attended by an estimated 500 to 600 people, residents were briefed on the scope of the project. The building is being designed by Garmann Miller architects/engineers of Minster.

It has been noted that no state funds are available to help finance the project. Superintendent Mike Pohlman previously stated the district received Ohio School Facilities Commission funding for a project in 1999 and is not eligible for additional funding.

School officials have stated that increased enrollment in recent years, the need for additional classrooms and more cafeteria/food service and gymnasium space are among the reasons why a new building is being considered.

The next regular meeting will be 7 p.m. July 10 in the board conference room at the elementary school.