Brookville schools pair new levy, refinancing
Bond refinancing cuts tax bill $80; if new tax is OK’d, tax bill is cut $10.
The 2-mill tax would raise funds for facilities needs; voters can still have a lower tax bill if they vote yes thanks to the bond refi.
Voters in the Brookville school district will decide whether or not to approve a 2-mill permanent improvement levy on the November ballot, but this levy has a twist.
If approved, the permanent levy would raise about $390,000 each year to help the schools pay for non-personnel costs such as security and technology improvements, buses, classroom materials, and other facility needs.
But the levy comes just as the district has refinanced its 15-yearold construction bonds, creating a significant savings for taxpayers in 2019 and beyond. So while the new levy on the ballot would cost the owner of a $100,000 home $70 per year, the refinancing will save that same property owner slightly more than that, the Montgomery County Auditor’s office confirmed.
Essentially, a “yes” vote on the levy would mean the school district gets the new levy funds, while the owner of a $100,000 home would actually see their school taxes drop by about $10 per year. A “no” vote would mean no new facility funding for the schools, and an $80 annual tax drop for that property owner.
“On November 6th, we can meet the vital capital and maintenance needs of the school district without an increase in the current tax rate,” Brookville Superintendent Tim Hopkins said, calling it “a unique opportunity.”
Permanent improvement levy
funds have to be used on items that have a life expectancy of 5 years or more. A Brookville Schools levy presentation lists $218,000 in annual needs for things such as textbooks, heating/air-conditioning maintenance, computers, other technology needs and more.
The document also cites non-annual needs such as bus replacement, parking lot repairs and new security cameras, plus one-time replacement of boilers, piping and windows at the Westbrook Building for $495,000.
Hopkins said Brookville schools currently get about $96,000 per year in permanent improvement levy funds, outside of the bond issue. He also pointed out that Brookville’s current school tax rate is comparatively low. According to the county auditor, of the 14 Montgomery County districts without a school income tax, Brookville’s school property tax rate is second-lowest, higher only than Jefferson Twp. schools.
On the 2017-18 state report card, Brookville ranked second in the county in performance index on state tests, earning an overall grade of “B” from the state, and an “A” in student progress.
District officials said in their levy presentation that “we do not anticipate any new operating levy (for personnel costs) in the foreseeable future.”
Hopkins said school security options, computer maintenance/replacement, and purchase of a handicap-accessible school bus would be first priorities if the levy passes. He said even with a relatively new 14-yearold school building, HVAC and maintenance costs are increasing. Contact this reporter at 937225-0730 or email Emily. Kronenberger@coxinc.com. Contact this reporter at 937225-2278 or email Jeremy. Kelley@coxinc.com.