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After bond-issue defeat, West G faces decisions
(by Sue Hoffman - November 29, 2010)
After bond-issue defeat, West G faces decisions
By SUE HOFFMAN
If the West Geauga School Board decides to put the 1.12-mill bond issue back on the May 3 ballot, they would have to take action in January, school officials said Monday.
The board would need to pass a resolution of necessity for the Geauga County auditor prior to Jan. 23 and pass another resolution prior to Feb. 2 to put the issue on the ballot.
Putting the bond issue, which was defeated by 55 percent of the voters in November, back on the ballot is one option the board is considering.
"There are different ways to approach it," School Superintendent Tom Diringer told the board. "Timing is important." If the board wants to go on the ballot in May, "we need to move fairly quickly," he said.
School officials said other possibilities to raise funds include an operating levy or permanent-improvement levy.
The 28-year, 1.12-mill bond issue would have raised $12 million for what school board members have referred to as the bare necessities in district maintenance projects, such as new roofs and heating units. It would have cost homeowners $34 per year for each $100,000 of property valuation.
"The bond issue is just a piece of the puzzle," Dr. Diringer said, as the district faces other issues.
Treasurer Michele Tullai has projected a deficit of $2.1 million by June 30, 2013. The renewal of a five-year emergency levy in 2012 would fall short of eliminating the deficit, according to her projections.
Even with budget reductions, the district will need a new money initiative in 2012, Dr. Diringer said.
Dr. Diringer said there are "so many unknowns" regarding the state's biennial budget, which is scheduled for the summer.
School officials said they have heard that school funding will be cut 10 percent or more as the state deals with an $8 billion deficit.
Board members expressed their concern about funding. Sally Gillmore said, from comments she received, some of the voters didn't understand that a bond issue provides a lump sum for projects and not a continual flow of funds as with an operating levy.
"When something doesn't pass, it's not like there can be instant catch-up," school board member Dean Patterson said. Certain things are lost, he said.
Mr. Patterson said the next couple of years are going to be difficult for schools. "I'm really worried about our children and all the school districts in Ohio, " he said.
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