PEMBERVILLE — Eastwood Schools will ask voters in May to replace rather than renew its permanent
improvement levy.
The school board voted 5-0 tonight to submit the request.
The 2.0-mill permanent improvement (PI) levy has been around for nearly four decades. It is up for
renewal this year for another five years.
PI levies are different from operating levies because the funds can only be used for expenses on items
generally with a lifespan of more than five years. School districts use a PI levy to pay for projects
that improve or repair facilities, transportation or other general maintenance.
By replacing the levy, it will take the effective millage from 0.9 back to the original 2.0 mills. While
a renewal levy remains constant over the specific period regardless of any developments in the district,
a replacement levy is based on current property valuations and new construction.
The levy currently generates $382,259.19 annually. It was first passed in 1980. It was replaced in 1989
and 1994 and has been renewed since then.
Replacing the levy would provide an additional $300,000 for the next five years, which would be used to
target some big ticket items which will both save the district operating money and improve the overall
appearance and functionality of facilities, according to Superintendent Brent Welker.
The owner of a home assessed at $100,000 would pay roughly $42 more per year, he said.