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Tallmadge treasurer warns of $2 million funding loss as state formula phases in; board urges passage of 5.6‑mill levy
Summary
At a Tallmadge City forum, Treasurer Jeff Hottstetler said state and local rules have left the district with shrinking state aid and capped local growth, projecting more than $2 million in lost funding by the end of the fair‑funding phase‑in. State representatives offered differing explanations of budget choices, while board members detailed past cuts and potential service reductions if a proposed permanent 5.6‑mill levy fails.
Treasurer Jeff Hottstetler told Tallmadge City residents the school district faces a structural funding squeeze and urged passage of a proposed permanent 5.6‑mill levy on the ballot.
"Funding for public schools is broken," Hottstetler said in a 45‑minute presentation explaining local levies, debt service and the state funding formula. He cited House Bill 9‑20 (commonly called HB 920) and the state formula's use of rising property valuations as primary causes that reduce the district's state share even when local effective millage does not grow. Hottstetler said the district has already lost categorical funding and projected the district could lose more than $2 million by the end of the formula's phase‑in.
The forum, moderated by Third Ward councilman Jonathan Bolas, brought state representatives Heidi Workman and Derek Hall to explain the state perspective. Workman said the most recent state budget increased K‑12 funding by billions and that Tallmadge is projected to…
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