Committee reminds voters that school levy is renewal

By Linda Linonis

By LINDA M. LINONIS

linonis@vindy.com

hubbard

When Hubbard school district voters go the polls Nov. 2, Richard Buchenic and Dave Bailey want them to remember one major factor about a school levy on the ballot — it’s a renewal, not a new tax.

To emphasize that point, Bailey, a member of the renewal-levy committee, said committee members and other levy supporters will go door to door Oct. 23 to urge people to vote and garner support for the renewal levy.

Buchenic, superintendent of Hubbard schools, said the renewal levy first appeared on the ballot in 1987 and was for 9.9 mills. In 2010, the millage will be 4.75 mills, reduced by 5.15 mills.

In 1987, the millage generated about $1,047,412 for the general-operating fund, and even though the millage is reduced, it continues to produce the same amount of money. That’s attributed to the increased number of businesses and homes assessed and their increased value.

Bailey, the owner of Pizza Works in the city and graduate of Hubbard High School, said he endorses the renewal levy because it’s something he can do as a citizen to support the schools.

Buchenic said the school district is using funds to operate that were generated 23 years ago by the initial levy. He said that was possible because of good money management.

“Current income and expenses are in balance because of fiscal responsibility,” Buchenic said.

Buchenic said the district has no control over things such as rising utility bills but works at “keeping other costs in line.”

But careful consideration is given to how funds are spent on staff, new programs and equipment.

He said the district’s 2010-11 operating budget is about $20 million, with 60 percent being derived from five levies that the voters have approved. The rest comes from state funds.

Buchenic said he believes the renewal levy has had a track record of approval because the money stays in Hubbard and benefits children of residents in the city and township, both of which are in the school district.

The Ohio Department of Ohio rated Hubbard “excellent” in its report card for the 2009-10 academic year.

Bailey, who has been involved in community projects for 20 years, is “committed to the community.”

Buchenic and committee members also are available to speak to civic and community organizations about the renewal levy.

Call Buchenic’s office at 330-534-1921, ext. 1003.