The income tax targets those least capable of affording further taxes,the working class.I believe the income tax was picked as a strategy.The income tax is only collected from earned income(work).Because retirements, pensions and Social Security are exempt I believe the board (BOE) is hoping for yes votes from those exempted because they would not have to pay.Additionally the rich will NOT pay because rental income, interest, dividends, capital gains are also exempt.The rich that do not have earned income will pay NO tax.As usual those working would be saddled with the load.A income tax will tend to suppress enrollment.Because families who live on the fringes will move away with their kids.Ironically the income tax will reduce the money to Greenon Local Schools from the State.Because the state contributes $5600+ per student.Less students less money.Features
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| Greenon BOE Talks Money In Special Meeting |
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| Saturday, 13 March 2010 03:29 |
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Written above one of the archways in Greenon High School are the words, “Through these halls walk the best of students and staff.” And, now that tradition seems to be imperiled by financial crisis in the district. Before a packed room at Greenon High School March 9, board of education members attempted to make the case for two levies that will appear on the May 4 ballot. “Let me go on the record. We don’t want to ask for more money. We have to ask for more money,” said Board of Education President Nelson Henning. The board explained the serious fiscal situation the district is facing. With state funding definitely decreasing one percent each year for the next two years and a loss of $500,000 in tangible personal property taxes, projected ending cash balances will be in the red by the 2011-2012 school year. The worst state scenario is a five percent reduction of state funding, but the district is looking at many different scenarios to determine the needs of the district. “The revenues are decreasing as the expenditures are increasing,” explained District Treasure Dawn Weller. “The personal property funding is going away to the tune of a half of a million, and yet, we are faced with increase staffing levels and operating costs.” “We have been extremely careful with spending, and we have not asked for new money since 1996,” said Superintendent Lori Lytle. “There has been a zero percent raised rate in pay, and budgets have been frozen.” The board also explained that there is a lack of funding for the purchase of text books, and the district is faced with the possibility of a “pay to play” policy and slash in student transportation costs. “That is why we are here,” said Lytle. “We are proposing a .75 percent earned income tax levy and a three mill property tax.” Along with the need to maintain current revenue with the renewal of two levies that expire in 2011, the district is asking for additional revenue to alleviate an immediate cash flow crisis and sustain the budget until state funding is possibly restored. By law, the levies must appear separately on the ballot, but board members stressed that both levies need to pass to alleviate the seriousness of the financial situation of the district. The three mill property tax is a renewable levy, but the .75 percent earned income tax levy is a permanent levy. Pensions, rental income, interest, dividends, capital gains, lottery winnings, and income earned by estates would be excluded from the earned income tax. “Ohio’s school districts are living in a scary environment, and the state does not know how they will fund the district schools next month,” said Weller. “The earliest that the district would collect the monies from these levies, if they pass, would be 18 months.” The responses of the Enon area citizens were mixed. Some residents questioned the difference between an earned income tax and a regular income tax. One local man thought that the district should spend more time on explaining the earned income tax levy. “Tell us what we need in the way of a game plan,” said Lytle. “We are here to work with the community to resolve this crisis.” Henning explained that the purpose of the meeting was to first inform the community and ask for volunteers to get involved with levy committees, fundraising initiatives, and public relations. “I will set the pace tonight and be the first to write a check to the Citizens for Quality Education fund.” Henning said. Superintendent Lori Lytle stressed several points, including that the board is always available to answer any questions, discuss any issues, and to lend a helping hand in anyway. A PowerPoint presentation of the information for the May 2010 Levies is currently available on the Greenon Local School District Website. A second meeting addressing the issues and the fundraising campaign will be held at the Greenon High School cafeteria on March 17 at 7 p.m.
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