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 undercut a decade-long pipeline that produced a recent high‑school production. "We must pass this levy," Butler said, arguing that related-arts programs are integral to academic development. Patty Brohard, a retired educator and Westerville parent, called the levy "not political" but necessary to protect specialized programs, transportation and teacher retention. "Strong schools equate to a strong community," she said.

Other speakers echoed that message. Natalie Stauffer, who moved to Westerville in 2019, said passing the levy would help retain families and attract new ones, and Christie Groger said national and state funding pressures make local support critical. "Federal funding for public schools has been declining," Groger said, adding that the district’s state share decline underscores local responsibility.

Opposition comments emphasized fiscal oversight and skepticism about new local taxes. Doug Krinsky, who identified himself as a local voter and opponent of the levy, urged residents to vote no and pointed to what he described as district overspending. "We have never said they misappropriate money. We have said you're just spending the money in the wrong areas," Krinsky said, and directed listeners to concernedcitizensofwesterville.org for his group's materials.

Some commenters raised questions about district accountability. Stephanie Wagenshe said bond interest costs and legal fees were concerning, citing a public‑records tally she summarized as averaging about $500,000 in attorney and legal retainers over unspecified years. She also said administrative staffing had increased faster than teacher staffing over a 10‑year period, which she found troubling.

Board President Meyer reminded speakers of the board’s public‑comment rules and said the board will continue to provide information online. When asked by a board member, Hamburg said the district will present a follow‑up report at a future meeting outlining what programs would be affected if the levy fails.

Why it matters: The ballot measure would directly affect local taxes and district revenue at a time the superintendent says state funding has declined as a share of the formula. Supporters say local funding will protect arts, electives and transportation; opponents say the district should first reallocate existing funds and improve fiscal oversight.

The board accepted the public comments and did not take a formal vote on the levy at the Oct. 13 meeting. The district’s informational materials and payment reports are available through the Ohio Department of Education and the district treasurer for residents seeking source documents.

Members and speakers quoted in this article spoke during the public‑comment portion of the Oct. 13, 2025 Westerville City Schools Board of Education meeting at the district auditorium.