Ohio County board accepts levy estimate and recommends keeping excess levy at 95.5% of maximum
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Summary
Finance staff presented preliminary assessed-value increases and a projected state-aid drop; the board accepted the levy estimate and recommended maintaining the operating-excess levy at 95.5% of the statutory maximum, with rate submission to the state auditor.
Finance staff presented preliminary assessed-value figures for fiscal year 2027 and recommended the board keep the operating-excess levy at its current level of 95.5% of the maximum allowed. Staff noted an increase in assessed value compared with the current year—about $245 million higher in certified value—but cautioned that preliminary state-aid estimates show an expected drop of roughly $1.8 million. The recommendation was framed as a way to preserve district revenues while state aid is being finalized.
"It is our recommendation to keep the excess value rate that is the same as the current rate, which is 95 and a half percent of the maximum allowed," Mr. Bennett said while presenting the levy discussion. Board members thanked staff for the clarity and moved to accept the levy estimate that will be submitted to the state auditor. The board approved the levy estimate and the recommendation to keep the excess levy at the current percent; the district will reconvene after the state auditor certifies the official rates.
Board members asked clarifying questions about how changes in assessed value and the state-aid projection would affect staffing and salaries; staff said the bulk of the projection would primarily be used for salaries and that further adjustments would be made as official numbers arrive.
The transcript did not include a roll-call tally for the levy vote; the motion to accept the levy estimate was carried during the meeting.
