Mad River schools seek new tax levy for building upkeep as bond issue expires

The 2.9-mill property tax would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $102 annually
Mad River Schools Treasurer Jerry Ellender and school board member Marilyn Steiner at a 2023 school board meeting. FILE

Credit: NICK BLIZZARD/STAFF

Credit: NICK BLIZZARD/STAFF

Mad River Schools Treasurer Jerry Ellender and school board member Marilyn Steiner at a 2023 school board meeting. FILE

Voters in the Mad River Local School District will decide Nov. 5 whether to approve or reject a new, permanent 2.9-mill property tax levy to fund the repair and maintenance of school buildings.

In 2001, the district financed construction of all new school buildings with a 23-year, 5.22 mill bond levy, which expires at the end of the year. A 0.5 mill facilities maintenance levy will also expire this year.

District officials say a new levy is now necessary to continue to maintain the school buildings and equipment.

“While it is great that the bonds will be paid off this year, the district is experiencing large repair and maintenance costs as the buildings age and things that came with the new buildings begin to wear out,” Treasurer Jerry Ellender said in a statement on the district’s website.

Stebbins High School.

icon to expand image

The school district previously had a permanent improvement levy that expired at the implementation of the bond levy more than two decades ago.

“Our school buildings are pillars of the community, and we want to make sure they are safe, well-maintained and last as long as possible,” Ellender said.

If voters approve the levy, the new tax revenue will be spent on capital improvements, maintenance and equipment, and cannot be used to pay salaries or other day-to-day operating expenses.

The levy would cost taxpayers $102 annually for every $100,000 of appraised property value.

About the Author