Monday, February 01, 1999
Critics back off opposition to school tax hike
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Critics of new taxes for Cincinnati Public Schools relented Sunday and said they wouldn't oppose an increase to compensate for inflation.
But the Coalition Opposed to Additional School Taxes (COAST) planned to hand-deliver a letter to the school board, challenging members to hold any increase to a maximum of 3 percent (about $9 million a year, or almost 2 mills), COAST member Tom Brinkman Jr. said.
“Our hope is that this will prevent a tax levy defeat by voters,” said Mr. Brinkman, of Mount Lookout.
District leaders are considering a tax hike that could top $92 million, or 17 mills. They say they need it to keep up with inflation, erase a $30 million equity gap between magnet programs and neighborhood schools and pay for building improvements.
Since 1980, voters have approved most district tax renewals and increases under $50 million. The last increase — $23 million — passed in 1995, and officials then promised voters they wouldn't seek more new money until 1999.
The district enrolls 47,400.
The school board is expected to vote on the levy Feb. 8. The deadline to place an issue on the May ballot is Feb. 18.
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