By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green Board of Education is stressing the district isn’t asking for more money on the March 17 ballot – just for renewal of two existing levies.
The two levies are a renewal of a 4.2-mill current expense levy, and renewal of a $1 million substitute emergency levy – both for a continuing period of time – to be used for school operating expenses.
“Please exercise your privilege to vote,” Board President Ginny Stewart said.
Superintendent Francis Scruci said the district is depending on voters supporting the levies for the same amounts as in the past.
“Those renewals are vital to our future,” he said.
Without them, the district will have to cut programs and staff, he said.
Board member Norm Geer cautioned that if the levies aren’t renewed, taxpayers will lose homestead exemptions and rollbacks that add up to a 12% savings.
Board member Tracy Hovest pointed out that it costs the school district money every time an issue is put on the ballot – so turning the renewals into continuing levies will result in the district saving money.
And Stewart stressed that the district’s budget is always transparent, and meets all requirements from the state.
Also at the meeting, citizen Brenda Pike questioned the terminology used for one of the ballot issues as a “emergency levy.”
“Do we have some type of emergency?” she asked.
Pike also criticized the school district’s effort to have voters to approve changing the two renewal levies into continuing levies.
“You will relinquish your right to ever vote on them again,” she said.
Pike said she has heard the board talk about trying to avoid “voter fatigue,” by having to go back on the ballot so often for levy renewals.
“I have never tired of voting,” she said.
And Pike questioned the school board’s explanation that having continuing levies would allow the district to use up to $6.8 million, that has to remain unused now in case a levy is not renewed by voters. The state does not require that much of a cushion, she said.
However, the board’s financial consultant has repeatedly said it would be risky if the district did not have that much on hand since 21% of the district’s revenue is from levies that could disappear if they don’t get repeated approval from voters.
Citizen Ken Rieman responded to Pike’s concerns, explaining that the term “emergency” is wording required by the state that doesn’t accurately portray the issue.
Rieman said turning the two levies into continuing issues makes sense for the district.
“Do you think the need is going to go away?” he asked. “How many times do you have to ask for the same money?”
As for managing its budget, Rieman said the school district has not asked for new money for 10 years – and it still isn’t asking for more with these renewal levies.
“This school district has done an excellent job of managing its money,” he said.
Rieman urged voters to support the renewal levies.
“The best reason is our kids. Our kids are worth it,” he said.
