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Field Local superintendent: Central demolition planned; proposed state cap on cash carryover could force property tax reductions
Summary
Superintendent Mr. Heflinger said the district will move forward with demolition of Central and offer a community open house before work begins. He warned that a proposed state budget cap limiting district cash carryover to 30% (Field currently about 50%) could trigger automatic property tax collection reductions until carryover falls to the cap, complicating levy planning.
Mr. Heflinger, the Field Local superintendent, told the board on April 14 that the district is moving forward with plans to demolish the Central building and is developing the scope of work and an approximate timetable. He said the district plans an open-house walkthrough so community members can see the building before demolition begins.
Mr. Heflinger also said Brimfield Police have approached the district about providing a therapy dog the district could use next year; other area districts have had success with similar programs.
The superintendent spent the remainder of his report describing proposed state budget language that would change school funding mechanics. He said one version circulating in the Ohio House would cap the amount a district can show as cash carryover on its forecast at 30% of the General Fund operating budget; Field’s current carryover is roughly 50% by his account. Under that provision, property tax collections would be reduced until the district’s carryover falls to the 30% cap, which Mr. Heflinger warned would produce a "yo-yo" effect in revenue and make long-term budgeting and levy planning more difficult. He also said there is discussion about shortening the five-year forecast window to three years; he said the final version was expected by June 30.
No formal dates for demolition or therapy-dog implementation were provided at the meeting; the board did not vote on funding or contracts related to demolition at this session.
