In May, voters in the Loudonville-Perrysville school district will once again have the opportunity to vote on a proposal to build new facilities via a new property tax bond and additional income tax levy.
This was most recently turned down by voters in November of 2024. The district has somewhat tweaked the funding by shifting some of the original property tax bond allocation to income taxes.
I would like to point out that this is a 100-percent taxpayer funded venture.
You might ask yourself where the school district and state funds come from?
Why, it is you and I of course. Joe Taxpayer provides for just about everything these days.
Until now.
A wave of public spending reductions is taking place across our country, including Federal, State, and local governments, along with the elimination of several departments, such as the Federal Department of Education.
This is much needed relief for all tax payers.
We would be wise to pause for a moment and take stock of the future possibilities. Ohio’s next Governor appears most likely to be Vivek Ramaswamy.
According to a recent Bowling Green State University poll, Mr. Ramaswamy has a nearly 65 percent advantage with voters, along with full endorsement from President Trump and Vice President Vance.
Ramaswamy wants to make Ohio the ninth state to eliminate income taxes, and appears to have the support of the state legislature to do so.
There is also current state legislative action addressing the reduction, and in some cases, elimination of certain property taxes.
Now, throw in a growing movement from state law makers to change how school districts are funded, suddenly voters must wonder if they should support a proposed school levy?
Good question.
Yes, new school facilities would be great for any district. So would a new house for your family or a new Combine for the farm. These all take money, and a lot of it. But the possibility of a new set of circumstances like no income or property taxes?
That is certainly worthy of serious consideration. Patience is generally awarded to those who wait.
Regardless of your position, please get out and vote, it’s never been easier or more important to do so.
Jay Zickefoose
Loudonville, Ohio