ASHLAND — Ashland City School District officials on Monday highlighted the significance of funds generated by an operating levy first passed in 2004.
“We could not do what we currently do as far as programming and opportunities for kids and the ability to attract good employees and keep them without our operating dollars — not to mention, our contracted services that we do beyond just our own personnel,” said Supt. Steve Paramore.
“(It’s) just a really important part of our district and we hope that people get out and vote.”
The 9.9-mill levy is returning to the ballot in November as a renewal — meaning it will not involve any additional taxation.
As a renewal, this is money that’s already being paid by such a property owner and is not a new tax.
Paramore said the levy generates about $5.6 million annually for the district. It is up for renewal every five years.
“Academics, athletics and the fine arts are a huge part of what we do and once again, some of the robust programs that we’re able to offer that springboard kiddos into opportunities beyond high school, we can relate that directly back to our operating renewal levy,” the superintendent said.
“All of those things happen because we have the means that our community puts in place.”
Kyle Klingler, the district’s treasurer, broke down what the levy would cost annually for the homeowner of a $268,000 home — which Klingler said is the current median value of homes in Ashland County.
For that homeowner, the levy would cost approximately $563.56 annually (about $47 per month).
With current state property tax relief efforts applied (a 10-percent non-business credit and 2.5-percent owner-occupancy credit), the annual cost of the levy for the homeowner of a $268,000 home decreases to approximately $493.12 annually (about $41 per month).
What are non-business, owner occupancy credits?
Ohio currently offers a 2.5-percent owner-occupancy credit and a 10-percent non-business credit on property tax bills.
- Owner-occupancy credit: The owner-occupancy credit provides tax relief for a homeowner’s primary residence. The amount of the credit depends on the home’s value and tax rate. It’s available to homeowners who live in their home as their primary residence on Jan. 1 of the year they apply for the credit. Homeowners can contact their county auditor to find out if they’re already receiving the credit or, if not, to complete the application.
- Non-business credit: The non-business credit rollback is not intended primarily for use in a business activity. Qualifying property includes property subject to the following uses: farming; leasing property for farming; occupying or holding or leasing property improved with single-family, two-family or three-family dwellings; or holding vacant land that the county auditor determines will be used for farming or to develop single-family, two-family or three-family dwellings. It is applied automatically to all eligible residential and agricultural properties.
“If you’re paying attention, you realize we are residing in a time where the state funding for education is fragile,” said Pam Mowry, school board president. “It’s very important that this levy renews.”
All Ashland County homeowners can visit the Ashland County Auditor’s website to see the projected annual cost of the levy for their home. Below are the steps to find the information:
- Visit https://auditor.ashlandcountyoh.us/.
- In the top right corner, search for your address.
- Once you’ve come to the page for your home, scroll down slowly until you find the “Levies” box, which will display all levies currently on the ballot in November for your address.
- Homeowners within the district should then see the district’s renewal levy information, including what is currently paid, what is the proposed amount and if there is any change in the dollar amount. This information is displayed on the right side of the “Levies” box.
Klingler said the amount listed on the auditor’s site is typically the pre-credit property tax amount (not including the combined 12.5-percent non-business and owner-occupancy credits).
“They don’t usually assume that every property has a credit on there, but if you are a homeowner you usually get that 12.5-percent credit,” the treasurer said.
