Northwood Local levy request on Nov. ballot

8/13/2004

The Northwood Local School District Board of Education decided to place a 3.9-mill operating levy on the November ballot during a special meeting yesterday.

The levy, which will bring in $488,000 annually, will cost the owner of a $100,000 home $119.44 a year.

The revenue would be used for day-to-day expenses, including costs related to personnel, equipment, supplies, transportation, utilities, technology, building maintenance, and textbooks and other learning materials.

Superintendent Ron Matter has said the levy is needed to offset a projected district budget deficit in the 2006-07 school year.

Board member Randy Kozina said the district's voters have been good to them in the past but district officials are not confident the levy will pass.

"We expect it to be a challenge," Mr. Matter said.

The district has no plans for cuts if the levy is not approved but will probably ask for a higher millage in 2005 should this request be rejected.

The district had planned to ask for a levy then.

By putting one on this year's ballot, it can ask for a millage smaller by 1.5 to 2.5 mills, Mr. Matter said.