Treasurer Oco highlights Garfield Heights Schools levy renewal implications

The Garfield Heights School District held a meeting on April 18, 2025, where Treasurer Philip Oco presented crucial financial information regarding local tax levies. Oco emphasized that the district's levies benefit from the rollback and homestead credit programs provided by the state of Ohio. This means that taxpayers currently pay only 87.5% of the total levy collection cost.

A significant point raised during the meeting was the potential impact of the expiration of Issue 20, the district's renewal levy. If this levy is not renewed, any new levy would be taxed at the full 100% collection rate. This change would result in an increased financial burden on taxpayers, as they would have to pay more to collect the same amount of funding currently supported by state subsidies.

Oco highlighted that the 12.5% of the current cost that is subsidized by the state would be permanently lost if the renewal is not approved. He encouraged community members to reach out with any questions or concerns, stressing the importance of being informed about the district's financial situation.

The discussion underscored the critical need for community engagement in the upcoming levy renewal decision, as it directly affects local taxpayers and the funding available for the Garfield Heights School District.