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West Branch forum will address two levies

WHAT: West Branch Community Levy Forum

WHEN: 6 p.m. July 23

WHERE: High school auditorium

BELOIT — The West Branch school will host a community levy forum to gain input on two prospective levies, one of which will be placed on the November ballot.

The forum is scheduled for 6 p.m. July 23 in the high school auditorium. The board will be sharing and information and seeking community input on two different levies — a property tax and an earned income tax– that will generate $850,000 annually.

Based on the response of the forum, the board will then place on of the levies on the November ballot.

The board last month approved a resolution of necessity for each type and forwarded them to the Mahoning County Auditor’s Office to certify the millage (property) and percentage (income) to raise the $850,000. The levy that will be placed on the November ballot will be decided on at the board’s regular meeting at 7:30 p.m. July 26 in the high school media center.

The board has expressed the intent to stream the forum via Facebook Live, as well as post video of the meeting on the district’s website for those who cannot attend.

The board is seeking a levy due to a projected cash balance deficit in the near future. The most recent five-year financial forecast shows a growing deficit spending that projects to a cash balance deficit of nearly $663,000 in the fourth year and over $2.5 million in the final one.

Schools Superintendent Timothy Saxton said in a written statement that a levy is vital to the district’s operation.

“The board recognizes the need for additional income, however, it has taken a conservative approach as it weighs out the various options ahead,” he said. “It is the board members desire to keep vital programming and avoid further cuts so that student academic, extracurricular and operational interests are protected.”

But the district is not relying on a levy alone, Saxton noted.

“The board has acted on several recommended reductions, and has directed my administrative team and I to continue to look for other means of reducing expenses across all areas,” he explained.

Acknowledging new money levies are unpleasant and burdensome for the community, Saxton the board wants to hear from residents before moving forward.

“Everyone understands additional taxes are a burden to school district residents and, from time to time, we look to our community for help,” he said. “The board is very interested in hearing the opinions and concerns of those impacted by a decision like this one.”

khowell@salemnews.net

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