WARREN Board proposes 6.5-mill school levy

Members are expected to vote next week to place the levy on the ballot.
WARREN -- School board members sent ballot language to the Trumbull County Auditor's office, asking it to certify the requested millage for a levy for new school buildings.
Board members expect millage to be for 6.5 mills.
At a meeting earlier this month, board members thought the amount would be 6.895 mills, but the school district treasurer and bond counsel made adjustments to a contingency fund. The contingency fund, which is to cover unforeseen expenses, was reduced from $3.5 million to $2 million, said Lynn Gibson, school board president.
More time
The payback period also was increased from 27 years to 28 years with the lower millage amount, she said.
The levy, which board members are expected to vote next week to place on the November ballot, is to provide the local match for an Ohio Schools Facilities Commission project to build all new schools for the district.
OSFC is providing 80 percent of the estimated $168 million project cost and the levy is to raise the remainder.
Included in the local match is $650,000 for a sports field at each of the K-8 buildings; $1 million to preserve historic elements at Harding High School; $4,318,000 for an eight-lane competition swimming pool at the high school; $500,000 to cover land acquisition in case the board must buy property to accommodate the new buildings; the $2 million contingency; and 0.5 mills for permanent improvements.