BY LINDA FISH-ODA
The Cincinnati Enquirer
SPRINGBORO -- Voters in the Springboro Community City School District will decide two money issues May 5.
The district is seeking approval of a 1.6-mill renewal levy and a new money issue, a 4.3-mill tax increase that would raise $1.65 million annually for three years.
The renewal would raise about $600,000 annually over the next three years.
The 4.3-mill levy would cost the owner of a home valued at $100,000 an additional $131 annually.
Initially, board members planned to seek a 3.96-mill tax increase. But in February, the district was socked with a $491,000 bill after a judge ruled that the state had charged Texas Eastern Gas Transmission of Clearcreek Township too much on its taxes. Springboro, along with several other school districts and governments, must repay the taxes. Additionally, they will lose money that had been budgeted before Texas Eastern's tax bill was cut.
That makes passage of both money issues critical, said Nell Cooper, district treasurer.
"It would be devastating if either one doesn't pass," she said, noting that the district would put the levies on the ballot until they pass.
"We don't have a choice. It is imperative that the district have these funds," she said.
Springboro needs the funds to pay back the money it owes Texas Eastern and to pay for additional teachers and other needs brought on by the district's growing population.
In the past 10 years, the district has grown by about 800 students to 2,953. By 2000, 3,300 students are expected.
The district is preparing to open its 217,500-square-foot high school this fall, and additional money is needed for its operation, Superintendent Gary Meier has said.
If both measures pass, the district will be able to close the current junior high school for one year to renovate it for elementary students.
