Berkshire Local board warns of looming shortfall after state property-tax changes; plans cuts and a levy campaign

The Berkshire Local treasurer presented a February five‑year cash forecast that shows the district’s cash balance deteriorating under recent state property‑tax reforms and cautioned the board the district could enter fiscal caution with the Ohio Department of Education.

The treasurer told trustees that a 2023 reappraisal raised home values by about 29.73 percent and that multiple recent bills change how fixed-sum levies and the 20‑mill floor are calculated. He singled out House Bill 186 as the largest unknown in the forecast and said the district expects a roughly $1,000,000 revenue reduction in the first year and up to an additional $3,000,000 over the life of the forecast to 2030, while noting the precise deduction will be clarified by state calculations in April. “We will do a new forecast in May when we have the exact calculation,” he said.

Board members discussed options to respond to the projected shortfall: a combination of targeted spending reductions (with a stated aim to avoid classroom cuts), a levy campaign targeted for a later election cycle, and new revenue programs. The treasurer listed revenue possibilities already under development, including expanding preschool tuition and care, leveraging business partnerships and selling seats in vocational and workforce programs to neighboring districts. The treasurer also noted potential cost savings if the district can host court‑placed alternative programs rather than paying outsourced placement costs.

Superintendent John and trustees flagged several state legislative threats during new‑business discussion. The superintendent said a proposed House Bill 671 would withhold state funding from any district that remains a participant in the “vouchers hurt Ohio” lawsuit and characterized the bill as a potential intimidation tactic; the board did not take a formal position during the meeting. The superintendent also described House Bill 304, which would require two separate 30‑minute recess periods daily for K–8, as an unfunded mandate that adds scheduling and space pressure without funding or curricular relief.

After discussion the board moved and voted to accept the forecast presentation; trustees asked administration to return with precise calculations after the state releases its methodology and to prepare options for potential budget reductions and revenue measures ahead of a May forecast update.

The district scheduled follow‑up planning in April and intends to reassess levy timing and program options after the state calculation is available.