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Boardman township seeks replacement levy in primary election
BOARDMAN
The township will ask voters in the May 8 primary election to replace a 3.2-mill levy with a 2.9-mill levy that would generate an additional $1.5 million per year.
First approved by voters in 1976 and renewed seven times, the general-fund levy’s effective millage rate has dropped to approximately 1.2 mills, according to the Mahoning County Auditor’s office.
The levy currently is generating about $1.2 million annually. By replacing the levy, it would generate about $2.7 million per year at 2.9 mills, according to the auditor’s office.
The five-year levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 home $60 per year, up from $37 year, according to information provided by the township.
As for why the township is seeking a replacement rather than a renewal of the existing millage, Trustee Brad Calhoun cited funding cuts the township has received in recent years, such as revenue from the tangible personal property and estate taxes.
“Over a five-year forecast, the township has lost nearly $11 million. The last ‘new money’ was approved in 2011 and we met every commitment made to the residents and more,” Calhoun said.
“Eight years later and a loss of $11 million we decided to place a replacement levy on the ballot to solidify our budget going forward. We have balanced the budget every year while improving services to our community.”
He said trustees opted to reduce the millage after reviewing the township’s five-year business plan and financial forecast, and “believe a 2.9[-mill] replacement levy is all the tax dollars needed to maintain a balanced budget for [the] next five years.”
“This levy will allow the township to continue to operate efficiently and maintain customer service as our residents have always enjoyed. We continue to be proactive in collaboration with other communities and always look to seek grant dollars for paving, zoning, fire and police,” Calhoun added.
The tax is a general operating levy, with funds going to current expenses for the police, fire, road and zoning departments, according to information provided by the township.
The township currently employs 164 people, township Administrator Jason Loree said.