Mentor board directs staff to prepare 4.9-mill property levy after revenue briefing

The Mentor Exempted Village Board of Education on Jan. 7 reviewed revenue projections and potential budget cuts and instructed staff to prepare a resolution for a 4.9-mill property tax levy for board consideration.

Treasurer Mister Wade told board members that two levy options remained under consideration: a 4.9-mill, five‑year operational property tax and a 0.75% earned income tax. He said updated financial tables on the board’s tables reflect recent state legislation that will flatten future property-tax growth but does not materially alter the district’s existing forecast. "We would project by 2030 we'd have a negative cash balance," Wade said, explaining the district could be on watch in 2028–29 depending on revenues and the pace of planned reductions.

Wade walked the board through the timeline and filing requirements for both options. He said earned income tax measures require staff to submit language to the Ohio Department of Taxation for…