Avon Schools voters pass levy

Citizens overwhelmingly approved a 14.26-mill continuing substitute levy for Avon Local Schools by a 2,940 to 1,965 vote, according to unofficial final results Nov. 7 from the Lorain County Elections Board.

Superintendent Michael Laub said the passage of the levy is a relief.

“We’re certainly appreciative of the support of our community,” Laub said. “It is certainly exciting. This issue really was a continuation of money. It helps us move forward with the same things we have been doing. We’re voting in the current dollars we were receiving. We’re excited we can plan with more confidence now.”

Avon Schools had five emergency levies at fixed amounts totaling almost $12 million, plus a permanent improvement renewal levy for building repairs. The levies were renewed separately.

“We were on the ballot at a relatively high rate just for renewals,” Laub said.

Voters asked school officials why the district constantly asked for money. The substitute levy was an attempt to solve that problem, Laub said.

The amount of money raised will only increase if new land or real estate improvements not previously taxed by the school district are added to the tax list, according to the ballot language provided by Elections Board.

According to information provided by Lorain County Auditor Craig Snodgrass’s Office, the levy will cost $437 annually per $100,000 property value . However, homeowners already pay the same amount for the levies through 2017, so there is no increase in taxes.

“We will be better able to evaluate what we need going forward,” Laub said. “It will help stabilize the financial picture of our district.”