At its June meeting, the Galion City Schools Board of Education took a significant step towards securing additional funding for general permanent improvements when the Board passed Resolution No. 4.2, formally titled “A Resolution Declaring It Necessary To Levy An Additional 5.0 Tax Levy For The Purpose Of General Permanent Improvements And Requesting The Crawford County Auditor To Make Certain Certifications, Pursuant To Sections 5705.03 And 5705.21 Of The Revised Code.”
This resolution marks the first critical step in submitting a tax levy proposal to the voters, with the tax anticipated to be first collected in 2025. This would be for additional money, not a renewal of an existing levy.
Understanding the Resolution
The resolution passed by the Board of Education is not just a declaration of intent but also a procedural requirement under Ohio law. It mandates that the board must first request certifications from the Crawford County Auditor. These certifications will include an estimation of the tax rate in mills per dollar of taxable value and in dollars per one hundred thousand dollars of appraised value. This information is essential for the Board to proceed with submitting the tax levy question to the electorate.
The entire Resolution may be viewed below.
The Process Ahead
Once the Crawford County Auditor provides the necessary certifications, the Galion City Schools Board of Education will need to adopt another resolution. This subsequent resolution will specify the rate of the tax levy based on the auditor’s certifications. It will also affirm the board’s decision to place the tax levy question on the ballot for voters to decide. The Ohio Revised Code outlines the precise steps and timelines for this process, ensuring that all legal requirements are met before the levy can be presented to the public.
Implications for the Community
If approved by voters, the additional 5.0 mill tax levy will provide funds for general permanent improvements within the Galion City School District. These improvements could encompass a range of projects, including building repairs, facility upgrades, and other long-term capital investments that are crucial for maintaining and enhancing the district’s educational environment.
Key Points from Ohio Law
Ohio law provides a detailed framework for the submission of tax levy proposals:
- Certification Process: After passing the initial resolution, the board requests certifications from the county auditor.
- Second Resolution: The board must adopt a follow-up resolution detailing the tax rate and confirming the submission of the levy to voters.
- Election Submission: The board submits the resolution, auditor’s certifications, and additional documentation to the county board of elections.
This structured process ensures transparency and accountability, allowing voters to make informed decisions about tax levies that affect their community.
schoolsImage by Vilius Kukanauskas from Pixabay
