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Treasurer briefs board on House Bill 96, Senate Bill 66 and how state funding changes affect West Geauga
Summary
District treasurer outlined the governor’s proposed biennial budget (House Bill 96) impacts under the Fair School Funding Plan, potential reductions to the district’s state guarantee, and how Senate Bill 66 proposals around the 20‑mill floor and levy classifications could affect property tax revenue and levy strategy.
The district’s treasurer briefed the board on the state budget outlook, describing provisions in the governor’s proposal (discussed in the meeting as House Bill 96) and a separate Senate Bill 66 that would affect the 20‑mill floor and how emergency/substitute levies are treated.
Key points: The treasurer said the state is considering the final phase‑in of the Fair School Funding Plan but noted that calculations are still using fiscal‑year‑2022 inputs, which has driven many districts into the state guarantee (a funding backstop). The district is currently at the 10% minimum state share; the treasurer said that means West Geauga is treated as a relatively wealthy district and will receive comparatively less state aid. The governor’s budget also proposed increases in voucher/EdChoice and community/STEM school funding, shifting some state dollars away from traditional districts.
Local impact: The treasurer presented historical district enrollment and voucher trends, noting that vouchers (EdChoice and EdChoice expansion) increased substantially in recent years and that district enrollment has declined from about 2,111 (2022) to 1,966 (2024). The treasurer said 343 districts statewide would lose funding in 2026 under current proposals, and that the district should assume flat state funding in planning until the state budget finalizes in June.
Levy mechanics: The treasurer explained differences among inside mills, fixed‑rate (continuing) levies, and fixed‑sum (emergency/substitute) levies. She described how fixed‑sum levies do not increase with property valuation and noted the district’s substitute/emergency levies passed in earlier years are “grandfathered” for certain homestead/rollbacks. Senate Bill 66 would change which levies are included in the 20‑mill floor and could shift taxing calculations, giving the district reason to monitor the bill’s progress closely.
Board reaction and next steps: Board members discussed timing for levy planning, the need for further analysis and outreach, and the five‑year forecast that will be updated in May. The treasurer said the district will treat state funding as flat for planning until the House and Senate finalize budgets and that the district will return with updated forecasts and levy options.
