Lexington Local Schools Board of Education passes 1st resolution for renewal levy

LEXINGTON — The Lexington Local Schools Board of Education passed the first of two resolutions to put a renewal levy on the March ballot at its Wednesday meeting.

Members will pass the second resolution at their next monthly meeting, which has been moved up to Nov. 8.

The 6.4-mill, 10-year levy would generate $2.705 million a year, or about 10% of the district's general fund. As a renewal, it is not a new tax.

Owners of a $100,000 property would pay $244 a year, based on 2022 figures.

"As valuations go up, the millage rate will go down," Treasurer Jason Whitesel said. "It will raise the same amount, $2.705 million."

The levy will be a renewal of a 2014 issue. A second renewal will be on the 2026 ballot.

"We made them 10-year levies to raise funds and get the building project done," Superintendent Jeremy Secrist said of the bond issue to build two new schools.

Lexington opened a grade 7-12 school last September. The district is awaiting word from the state on money for a new elementary building.

Board members opting to put ballot on in March instead of next November

The board could have opted to put the levy on the March primary ballot or wait until the general election in November 2024.

Secrist said an advantage to going forward in March would be to get it out of the way early.

"(But) in a primary, you don't have your total electorate," the superintendent previously said. "If we wait until November, you run the risk of putting yourself up against the wall in case something does not go as we assume it would."

Secrist said the district has had success with passage of renewal levies. He advised going to the ballot in March.

"The sooner, the better," Secrist said.

More: Lexington performing arts center named in honor of Robert Whitney, board member for 59 years

Board President Robert Whitney and Vice President Keith Stoner also expressed that preference. Wednesday's meeting was also Whitney's 88th birthday. He is the longest-serving school board member in Ohio, getting his appointment in 1964.

mcaudill@gannett.com

419-521-7219

X (formerly Twitter): @MarkCau32059251

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Lexington residents should expect to vote on March renewal levy