Board seeks public's help with budget fight
APRIL 10, 2015 05:00PM
The Sycamore Board of Education is seeking the help of the community to join the fight to save a significant portion of the district's budget from possible phase-out.
A critical portion of Sycamore's state funding is in serious jeopardy with the Ohio governor's budget proposal, which would phase out $9 million in tangible personal property (TPP) tax reimbursement, equivalent to 12 percent of the district's budget.
This loss, which amounts to approximately $1,745 per student when phase out is complete, would require a 5.65-mill property tax levy to recoup the funds lost due to this proposal.
Last month, Sycamore Treasurer Beth Weber testified at a House panel hearing on the K-12 portion of the budget, urging lawmakers to reconsider the TPPR phase-out.
Sycamore Board Vice President John Mercurio recently wrote a newspaper column about the budget proposal, urging district residents to "remind Ohio lawmakers that TPP taxes were levied locally and went to local schools."
"This tax structure was critical in helping build Sycamore into a first-rate district with one of the lowest tax rates in Hamilton County," he said.
Sycamore Board members are encouraging the community let their voices be heard by local lawmakers regarding the proposed TPPR phase out. Visit Sycamore's State Funding web page for a sample letter and a list of email addresses of key lawmakers.
