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Mentor schools project multi‑year shortfall and recommend 4.9‑mill operating levy
Summary
CFO Mr. Wade told the board the district's updated forecast shows a multi‑year erosion of reserves and recommended a 4.9‑mill levy to raise about $13.5 million a year; he said failure to pass the levy would require immediate cuts totaling about $3.4 million in 2027 and further cuts if not approved by November.
Chief Financial Officer Mr. Wade presented the district’s updated multi‑year forecast and recommended placing a 4.9‑mill operating levy on the ballot to address projected shortfalls.
"We're looking at a deficit of about 9 and a half million dollars," Wade told the board, and later summarized the administration's levy recommendation: "That levy would generate about 13 and a half million a year." He emphasized that without the levy the district would need to cut roughly $3.4 million in 2027 and an additional $3.4 million if voters do not approve the measure by November.
Why it matters: Wade said recent changes in Ohio law that affect property‑tax calculations and credits (discussed during his presentation) have reduced expected revenue growth and flattened future receipts. He described the forecast assumptions — class‑1 and class‑2 valuation changes, a modeled 15.8% increase on class‑1 property in the 2027 triennial update, and expected reductions tied to newly enacted house bills — and showed how those changes compress revenue growth while expenses (largely personnel costs) remain significant.
Board members asked for clarifications about the revenue charts and the forecast model. A board member noted that some neighboring districts experienced larger post‑reappraisal increases, while Wade said Mentor’s picture was different because the district was not on the so‑called "floor" and therefore did not see the same windfall. "We did get an increase," Wade said, "but it's not enough to make us whole."
Public comment: Several community members urged the board to support the levy. John Sanford and Brian Bardinger said passing the levy is essential to maintain the district’s staffing and programs. Audience speakers framed the levy as a choice between revenue or service reductions.
Next steps: Administration presented the levy recommendation for discussion; the board has not yet set a ballot resolution in this meeting. Wade and district staff said they will continue to refine assumptions and provide more detail to the board and Citizens Financial Advisory group ahead of any formal levy filing.
