JVS seeks levy renewals
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BLOOMINGDALE -- Residents in Jefferson County are being asked to renew two levies that are vital to the operation of the Joint Vocational School when they cast their ballots in the Nov. 3 election.
Money generated by the 1-mill, 10-year levies will help to support the day-to-day operations of the school, as well as the tools, equipment, technology, repairs, innovations and building improvements needed for its career technical programs, explained Superintendent Ted Gorman.
“Those resources directly affect the learning environment and the hands-on training our students receive,” he added.
Each of the levies is divided into 0.67 mill for current expenses and 0.33 mill for equipment and facilities.
Two levies are appearing on the ballot because they were passed at different times for different periods. One was renewed for 10 years in 2016, and the other was renewed for seven years in 2019. Those schedules come together this year, and both are appearing on the same ballot, Gorman explained.
“These are renewals of existing levies -- not new levies or additional millage,” he added.
Combined, the estimate from the Jefferson County auditor’s office shows, the levies will generate approximately $3,933,973 per year. That works out to about $62 per year for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s property market value, or about $5.17 per month per $100,000 of market value, Gorman explained.
“From a financial standpoint, these levies are significant because together they account for nearly $4 million in annual local revenue,” Gorman said. “They help the JVS maintain career-technical programs, keep instructional equipment current, maintain and improve our facilities and cover a portion of the district’s operating expenses.
“The JVS serves students from throughout our career-technical planning district and prepares students for employment, industry credentials, apprenticeships, college and other postsecondary opportunities,” he added.
Losing the revenue from the levies -- one will generate $1,934,109 annually and the other $1,999,864 annually -- would have a dramatic effect on the school.
“A loss of that size would require the board and administration to reevaluate district expenditures, including operations, staffing, equipment replacement, maintenance, building improvements and programming. I would not want to speculate on specific cuts before the board had an opportunity to review the district’s finances and determine what actions would be necessary,” Gorman said.
Early voting is underway in Ohio. Polls on Nov. 3 will be open between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.