Canton Local board approves first-step resolution to renew levy, says it will not raise taxes

The Canton Local Board of Education on Dec. 15 approved the first of two resolutions to renew a local operating levy and send it to the county auditor for certification, board officials said.

In presenting the item, the district treasurer said the measure is a renewal and will not increase taxpayers’ rates. "Again, it's a renewal levy. It does not raise taxes," the treasurer said, and noted the ballot language lists 10.8 mills (8.9 mills for general operations and 1.9 mills for permanent improvements) while current collections are below 6 mills because of statutory rollbacks and household reductions.

The treasurer and staff said the two-resolution process directs the county auditor to certify levy amounts and rates; the second resolution to place the levy on the ballot will follow in January if the board passes tonight’s step one. They warned that if the levy were not renewed, other levies would automatically increase to maintain revenue and households would see, at most, modest savings on the permanent-improvement portion.

Board members asked clarifying questions about collection mechanics and potential taxpayer impacts; the treasurer repeated that the renewal is intended to preserve current revenue rather than raise new taxes. The motion to act on the treasurer’s report, including the levy resolution, was moved and seconded and approved by roll call.

Next steps: the board will consider the second required resolution in January and, if passed, the resolution and ballot language will be filed with the board of elections for placement on the ballot.

Authorities referenced in the meeting included the levy resolution language presented by district staff; no state statute beyond general reference to levy/rollback mechanics was cited by number during the presentation.