Waverly City Schools Places Reduced 0.5% Income Tax Levy on November Ballot After May Defeat

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WAVERLY, Ohio – The Waverly City Schools Board of Education has voted to place a new operating levy on the November ballot, according to a statement from the board.

The proposal is a 0.5% traditional income tax for five years. The board said it reflects approximately $1.6 million in spending reductions made since the May election and represents a lower tax rate than the previous request.

In May, voters rejected a five-year 0.75% earned income tax levy that the district said would have generated about $2 million annually. That earlier measure was placed on the ballot to address rising expenses along with changes in property tax collections and state funding under Ohio school funding laws. Official results from the Pike County Board of Elections showed 809 votes in favor (39.72%) and 1,228 against (60.28%).

The board’s recent statement noted that many community members voted no in May and that officials heard the concerns shared. “Since then, the Board and administration have continued looking for ways to reduce expenses and lower the request to taxpayers,” the statement said.

District leaders said they will share more details in the coming weeks about the financial situation, the reductions made since May, and the potential impact of the proposal on schools and the community. The board stated its commitment to transparency and answering questions honestly while acknowledging that not everyone will agree with the decision.

Waverly City Schools serves students in Pike County and a portion of Ross County. The district previously cited the need for additional local revenue to maintain current educational opportunities amid funding pressures common to many Ohio districts.

Voters in the Waverly City School District will decide the issue in the November general election.

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