Bethel Local board approves resolution to place five-year $2.46 million income tax levy on May ballot

The Bethel Local School District Board of Education voted to approve a resolution declaring the necessity of raising $2,458,971 annually for school district purposes for a five-year, fixed period and will file the measure with the state to appear on the May 6, 2025 ballot. Chair led the motion and a roll-call vote recorded affirmative responses from the trustees present.

The resolution is the first procedural step in the levy process: once filed the state certifies the request and the district will forward the necessary documents to the county board of elections. Chair said the measure "is for 5 years" and that the district would hold the certification documents until the second filing is completed.

Board discussion earlier in the meeting touched on levy term length; Committee member Julie urged using a five-year expiration rather than a continuous levy, saying a shorter term could improve the chances of passage by allowing voters and the board to reassess later. The board did not change the term during the meeting.

Treasurer's reports presented earlier in the meeting showed year-to-date revenue increases and a cash position the treasurer described as approximately $10,000,003.45, which officials said informs budgeting and the tax request but does not eliminate the need for additional levy revenue. The board will proceed with the filing and follow the certification steps required by state law.

Votes at a glance: the resolution of necessity was approved in roll-call votes by the trustees recorded in the meeting. The district will file the resolution with the state and seek certification before sending the measure to the county board of elections for placement on the May ballot.