Westerville board hears split public comment on 0.75% earned-income tax ahead of Nov. 4 ballot

The Westerville City Schools Board of Education on Oct. 13 heard several public commenters urging opposite votes on a Nov. 4 ballot issue that would impose a 0.75% earned-income tax on wages, salaries and net self-employment income across the district.

Superintendent Angie Hamburg told the board and audience that the proposed tax would apply to wages, salaries and net self-employment income and would not apply to pension, Social Security, unemployment or investment earnings. Hamburg said the district’s "state share" — the portion of calculated funding the state pays under the school funding formula — has fallen by 25% since fiscal year 2021 and pointed attendees to state payment reports and district financial materials for details.

The funding shortfall was central to pro-levy speakers. Mary Jean Butler, a Westerville resident, said arts instruction begins in elementary school and warned that cutting music and art would…