Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Finance Levy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Parma City district discusses a possible 6.9-mill operating levy, deadlines and homeowner cost formula
Summary
District staff told the board the district needs new operating money and recommended a 6.9-mill levy that would keep forecasts positive through fiscal 2031; board staff outlined the ballot and timeline and explained how millage translates to household cost.
District fiscal staff told the Parma City School Board on Jan. 9 that the district will likely need a new operating (emergency) levy and described two millage scenarios and the calendar timetable for putting the levy before voters.
A presenter described the options under consideration: a 4.9-mill levy that would sustain the district’s five-year forecast through fiscal 2029, and a 6.9-mill levy — the level the district previously had proposed — that staff recommended as it would extend positive forecasts through fiscal 2031. The presenter said the first year of revenue from a successful levy would be partial because levies that begin after calendar-year boundaries provide only a half year of receipts in the district fiscal year; if passed, the levy would begin Jan. 2026 and the board must complete required resolutions and filings by the Feb. 4 ballot deadline.
The presenter summarized the process steps: preliminary and second readings/resolutions, submission to the county budget commission to convert dollar amounts to millage, and final submission to the board of elections. When asked how millage translates to homeowner cost, staff explained that county-assessed value — not a Zillow estimate — is used, that taxpayers are taxed on 35% of the assessed value for the millage calculation, and provided the simple formula: millage × 35 (per $100,000 of assessed value) approximates the annual cost per $100,000 of home assessment.
Board members and district staff discussed timing, prior ballot history (district has not sought new operating money since 2011) and the district’s efforts to manage expenses. No levy resolution was finalized during the meeting; staff said two board meetings would be required before the Feb. 4 deadline if the board chooses to place a levy on the ballot.
Ending: Staff requested additional board direction and said they will provide detailed forecast scenarios and supporting materials for upcoming meetings to aid the board’s decision whether to seek voter approval.
