Willoughby‑Eastlake board tables 2.25% EIT, approves 1.5% measure to place on May ballot

The Willoughby‑Eastlake City Schools Board of Education voted unanimously on Jan. 12 to approve a resolution placing a 1.5% earned income tax (EIT) measure on the May ballot, after tabling a separate motion to pursue a larger 2.25% option.

Board members said the measure is intended to offer voters an alternate way to fund district operations and reduce reliance on emergency property‑tax levies. ‘‘We keep hearing over and over again that the property tax burden is too high,’’ the board president said during discussion, noting community workgroups and outreach efforts.

Treasurer Mr. Charnello described the district’s revenue modeling and legal mechanics for an EIT. ‘‘The 2.25% earned income tax would provide $42,400,000 in revenue to the district. It would replace all five emergency levies for a total amount of $43,100,000,’’ he said, and explained that a 1.5% option would generate an estimated $28,200,000 and replace four of the five levies. He cautioned that full collection is likely to phase in (staff and employers would adjust withholding) and that the district would work with the county budget commission to avoid double taxation during the transition.

Public commenters offered sharply different views. John Mara told the board the math in the resolution did not add up: ‘‘A 2.5% earned income tax does not generate 42,400,000.0…based on reasonable and realistic income estimates, it produces closer to 20 to 22,000,000 per year,’’ he said. By contrast, Stacy McGuigan, a member of the district’s school‑funding committee, urged the board to let voters decide and noted the proposal includes a 10‑year expiration for reevaluation.

After further discussion about political feasibility and the need for community education, a board member moved to table the 2.25% resolution; that motion carried. The board then moved to approve the 1.5% resolution (agenda item 7b). During the roll call for 7b the board recorded votes as follows (as read aloud at the meeting): Miss Miller — Yes; Missus Osagie — Yes; Missus Verdi — Yes; Miss Schatzman — Yes; Missus Mentser — Yes. The treasurer and board members said a second, follow‑up resolution will be required to specify final details such as the duration of the tax and any formal accountability language sent to the county budget commission.

What happens next: the board encouraged community members to attend a steering committee meeting on Jan. 26 for further input. The board expects to bring a second resolution in a later meeting that will set the term and finalize ballot language and any coordination steps with county officials.

The vote to approve the 1.5% EIT measure was 5‑0. The item to consider a 2.25% EIT was tabled.