On Monday, Oct. 28, 2013, I attended an informational meeting held by the Symmes Valley Board of Education and the topic was the possible conversion of 1.8 of inside tax millage from current expenses to permanent expenses.

I was made aware of this meeting when I read a flyer distributed to the students to take home.

The flyer stated that the Symmes Valley Local School District made the final payment on our school buildings and is now debt free. Additionally, due to the structure of taxes in the state of Ohio, there is an opportunity to reallocate those tax dollars from debt retirement to permanent improvements. After reading the flyer and listening to a presentation made by the county auditor at the meeting, it is my understanding that the school board has the legal authority to do this.

The flyer also stated the end result would be no increase in your tax burden, but it failed to mention that your taxes would be reduced if the conversion did not take place.

The is currently a legal advertisement running in The Ironton Tribune that states there will be a public hearing at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, in the Symmes Valley High School lecture hall. The advertisement says, “Though not anticipated, the change being proposed by the board of education may result in an increase in the amount of real property taxes levied by the board of education.”

I personally believe it would be wise for every resident who pays taxes that go to the Symmes Valley School District to attend this meeting and voice your opinion on whether you approve of this conversion or would rather see a reduction in your taxes.

Ultimately, the decision will be made by the Symmes Valley Board of Education.

 

Timmy Hayes

Scottown