Westerville board urges district residents to weigh in as state budget and 'inside mills' debate pushes district toward possible income tax question

Summary

Board members and staff discussed uncertainty in the state budget conference committee, voiced opposition to House Bill 335 provisions that would eliminate unvoted "inside" mills, and approved resolutions to seek county certification for two possible earned-income tax rates (0.75% and 1.25%) to present to voters if needed.

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education on June 23 discussed state-level budget negotiations and approved two resolutions asking the Ohio Department of Taxation to certify alternative earned-income tax rates — 0.75% and 1.25% — while also authorizing a statement opposing House Bill 335 and related provisions.

The resolutions came as Superintendent Hamburg told the board that state funding language was active in the conference committee and that the district expects the final conference report "very soon." The resolutions ask the Department of Taxation to certify estimated revenue for possible ballot measures so the district can move quickly if required.

Why it matters: Board members said the proposals in the legislature — particularly language that would eliminate the state-allocated unvoted "inside" mills — could remove about $16.3 million…

Westerville board urges district residents to weigh in as state budget and 'inside mills' debate pushes district toward possible income tax question

Summary

Subscribe to keep reading