Wickliffe school board president urges passage of 7.2-mill operating levy set for May

WICKLIFFE, Ohio — Dan Tomeyer, president of the Wycliffe School Board, asked Wickliffe City Council on March 10 to support a 7.2‑mill operating levy that will appear on a May ballot as Issue 6, saying the district needs the revenue to avoid major shortfalls in its five‑year forecast.

“This is an operating levy. It’s not a bond issue. It’s not a capital improvement levy,” Tomeyer told council. He said the levy is intended to maintain current programs rather than expand services.

Tomeyer told the council the levy rate was set at 7.2 mills and that passage would cost $252 a year for a $100,000 home (approximately $21 per month). He said the average Wickliffe home value is roughly $180,000, which he estimated would translate to a higher monthly cost for the typical homeowner. He also noted that property taxes are assessed on 35% of appraised value and reminded seniors age 65 and older that a homestead exemption may be available through the Lake County Auditor’s office.

Tomeyer said the district’s last operating levy was approved in 2015 and that statutory limits including House Bill 920 mean levies do not automatically adjust for inflation. He warned the board’s five‑year projection showed the district would be in a “very severe” position by the end of the 2026‑27 fiscal year — June 30, 2027 — without additional revenue.

Tomeyer provided council members with informational materials and a website for the campaign, supportwiththeschools.com, and asked council members to share factual information with residents who ask about the measure. He said the school district is seeking volunteers and contributions for the campaign and asked the community to learn the facts before voting.

Several school committee members were in attendance; Tomeyer named Vice President Katie Ballas and committee members Josh Javens and Matt Borovic as part of the levy effort.