What Hilliard school levy on the November ballot would pay for

HILLIARD, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Hilliard schools levy on the ballot in November would ask taxpayers to fund new buildings.

The district is asking for a 6.9-mill operating levy. Superintendent David Stewart believes
it is imperative to get this funding.

"It's important on the operating side, because our current projections are that we are currently in fiscal year 25, and our current projections are that in fiscal year 26, we will drop below our required 20% of expenditures, cash reserves policy and in fiscal year 28, we would actually run out of cash," Stewart said.

The district intends to use $142 million to build three new elementary schools to replace Brown, Beacon, and Ridgewood schools. Hilliard city councilmember Les Carrier thinks the district should use the money they have in their reserve instead of asking the taxpayers. The levy would cost property owners $242 dollars per $100,000 in home evaluation each year.

"The vast majority of the ask, to the community, the taxpayer is for operating,” Carrier said. “So, what's all the operating money for, that you need when you have $84 million in cash."

On the district website the projected cash balance for the 2024 fiscal year was a little over $84 million. Superintendent David Stewart notes the number is actually higher, but explained why he thinks the levy is needed.

"We do have a $90 million cash reserve now, which sounds like a lot of money, especially if you don't line it up against our projected deficits,” Stewart said. “So, our projected deficits over the next three fiscal years are $21 million and $30 million. So, that $91 million evaporates very, very quickly."

Though this is the district's first levy request in eight years, for many community members like Greg St. Clair, it seems to be unnecessary.

"You see these big potential deficits but the deficits haven't happened,” St. Clair said. “So, I just think it's, I kind of coined the phrase it to me, it's the wrong time and it's the wrong size.”

If you live in the Hilliard district and have some questions regarding the levy, click here.