BY MIRIAM SMITH
The Cincinnati Enquirer
LEBANON -- If a permanent improvement levy for the Lebanon City Schools doesn't pass, cuts will be made, said district spokeswoman Carole Dorn.
"We can't say for certain where those will be," she said. "What will happen if it does fail, we will have to cut into our general fund. That's going to directly affect things like salaries, books and other materials. In other words, it's going to directly affect what happens in the classroom and what's available for kids and teachers to use."
The district placed a 2-mill, five-year permanent improvement levy on the Nov. 3 ballot for improvements, renovations and additions to school facilities.
Officials have said it would help pay for roof repairs, buses, technology and a new high school track.
"There are things we can't put off," Ms. Dorn said. "The money to do those projects has to come from somewhere."
The levy would generate $796,610 a year and would cost the owner of a $100,000 home $61 annually.
But school officials have said the measure would not cost taxpayers any more money than what they're currently paying because the board approved an early bond retirement last spring.
Three of the district's ballot issues have failed in the last five years.
A 1.3-mill permanent improvement levy expires Dec. 31, and board members have said if it isn't renewed, those funds would have to come out of the district's general operating fund.
Officials said there is no organized opposition to the levy. But levy supporter Cathy Mick she thinks this levy will pass because it will not increase taxes.
"If you walk the halls of the schools, they need repairs," Mrs. Mick said. "You have to have these things fixed. You need money to fix them."
