Board of Education Special Meeting

The meeting was called to order at 5:12 p.m.

All Board members were in attendance.

The agenda was approved as presented.

Ms. Terri Eyerman opened with a reminder of where the Board left off from the last meeting and what items needed to be discussed at this time.

1. Does the Board want the first attempt to pass to be on the May or November ballot?

2. If May, what type of levy - Emergency Levy or Substitute Emergency Levy?

3. If Emergency - what term, if Substitute Emergency - # of years or continuing?

Dr. Hire stated to be sure it is clear, the District still needs these funds that are being paid by our existing taxpayers and the homestead and rollback to be paid by the state. He assured that the Emergency or Substitute Emergency will keep the current homestead and roll back dollars paid by the state.

Mr. Hunt stated that he likes the idea of the District having the opportunity to get more money in the future. 

Dr. Hire stated that originally the District was on the ballot for more than $900K and didn't pass. The 900K was voted for in 2008.  Mr. Shutt commented that it has been a long run of community support for the District -continuing this levy from  2008 - 2023

Dr. Butcher stated that he has been happy with community support with past levies. He understands voter fatigue and is happy with our good passage rates. He thinks it is worthwhile to ask for continuing. 

Mr. Bennett agreed.

Dr. Hire confirmed with Terri that we can still come back in November if the levy should not pass in May. The response is yes, that will be the last time we can bring it to the community for passage and keep the homestead and rollback locked in, as well as not have a break in the tax revenue.

Terri stated that either levy will require us to work closely with media/news personnel to educate our community, not only on the type of levy but also on the ballot language changes that have been put into place.

Dr. Hire reiterated the need for us to get the word out and educate our community.

Mr. Phil Hunt stated that we need to communicate that this doesn't mean additional tax. 

Mr. Phil Hunt clarified - that to make a motion the Board would need to state the term of the levy, the type of levy, and when the levy will be on the ballot.

Ms. Eyerman confirmed.

Mr. Hunt then made a motion to approve a Resolution of Necessity for a Substitute Emergency Levy to replace the current expiring Emergency Levy on the May ballot for $900,000 for a Continuing period of time.

Dr. Jere Butcher seconded the motion

Ms. Eyerman will communicate the voice vote on this resolution to the District's attorney in order to have a formal resolution drafted to deliver to the Coshocton County Auditor to proceed with the process to have the Substitute Levy on the May 2023 ballot. 

Ms. Eyerman called the vote. 

All Board members were in agreement and voted yes.

The meeting adjourned at 5:37 p.m.