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Treasurer warns governor’s budget could shift millions to Perrysburg taxpayers; board discusses levy timing
Summary
Treasurer Randy Drewer and Superintendent Tom Hosler told the board that the governor’s proposed biennial budget, if implemented as drafted, would shrink state aid to Perrysburg by roughly $1.3 million over two years and could push the district onto the state's 'guarantee' funding mechanism, increasing pressure for a local levy.
Perrysburg School District Treasurer Randy Drewer and Superintendent Tom Hosler told the Board of Education that the governor’s proposed biennial budget as presented would reduce state support for the district and shift a larger share of school funding to local taxpayers.
Drewer said the district’s modeling shows a decline in state aid from about $12.63 million to $11.20 million — a roughly $1.31 million loss in the two‑year projection — if the governor’s plan were implemented without increasing the statutory base cost input the state uses to calculate aid. Drewer said that, under the governor’s proposal, the state would continue using 2020 averages for base cost while updating local wealth measures in real time, effectively reducing the state share and increasing the local share of per‑pupil funding.
"The bottom line is shifting more pressure on local funding to fund local schools," Drewer said, and he urged community outreach to state legislators. Drewer showed simulations that, under some scenarios, the district could be placed on the state's guarantee and face a projected shortfall of about $1.5 million in 2027 and up to $4 million by 2029 in worst‑case modeling; he emphasized that those numbers could change as the legislature amends the governor's proposal.
Hosler and board members discussed next steps for levy planning. Finance committee chair Mr. Baddington (Bennington) summarized committee recommendations and a calendar of deadlines: the board must consider whether to place an operating levy on the November ballot (filing deadline Aug. 6, 2025). The board plans a May forecast and suggested the March work session for more detailed levy scenario work.
Drewer reviewed the district’s cash profile: the general fund cash balance was at its seasonal low but showing roughly 117 true cash days; revenue and expenses are tracking near forecast, with some capital and bus grant timing causing temporary distortions. He noted that capital outlay looked high in January because of timing around a bus purchase and EPA grant reimbursements.
Board members asked how the funding formula works; Drewer and Hosler explained that the state calculates a base cost per pupil and then splits that cost between state and local shares using a wealth calculation (60% property value, 40% income, split between state and federal reported income). Officials said Perrysburg’s rising property values are increasing the district’s measured local wealth and reducing the state share under the current inputs.
The finance committee recommended continuing community engagement sessions, running more levy‑information scenarios for the board and holding public forums to vet levy structure and length. Board members said the district will need to make an early decision whether to ask voters in November and begin a public information campaign if it plans to do so.
