BEAVERCREEK — Voters went to the polls Nov. 7 and approved a 6 mill, $10.4 million substitute emergency levy for Beavercreek City Schools 55.11 percent to 44.89 percent, according to unofficial final election results.
Normal operations will continue at the schools, thanks to the levy. Dollars generated from the levy, which amounts to approximately 13 percent of the district’s operating revenue, will fund necessary day-to-day expenses for the schools such as utilities, bus fuel, classroom supplies, technology and personnel.
The renewal tax levy will not increase taxes for existing residents and businesses. Without any additions, taxpayers will continue to pay an estimated $210 per year for each $100,000 of appraised property value.
The levy substitutes the emergency levy that voters originally passed in November 2013, set to expire in December 2018. Since it has been approved, the revenue collection will begin in January 2019. It is permanent, meaning it will not have to be renewed, and officials will not have to go back to the voters.
Also called Issue 17 on the ballot, the levy narrowly failed in the May 2 special election.
According to officials prior to the election, Beavercreek is growing now and will continue to grow. So the school district is preparing.
“This levy really positions not only the school district well but also positions the community well. Because we anticipate, we know, there is some significant growth that is going to be taking place over the next five to 10 years, this levy allows the district to receive the growth from those residential and commercial developments that might be coming into the community,” Superintendent Paul Otten said. “The reason we like this type of levy is because it will allow us the growth and we won’t have to go back to voters often … It’s a win-win for the school district and a win-win for the community.”
Otten was hopeful voters would pass the levy to not only support the schools, but the community, as well.
“When you talk to people about Beavercreek — people that move here — their response is that they move here for the school district … a district really defines a community,” Otten said. “This levy not only maintains and keeps our school district strong, but it also keeps our community strong.”
