The St. Marys City Schools Board of Education is asking residence to vote “yes” May 8th to support “Our Kids, Our Schools, Our Future!” Residents will be voting on a 1.5 percent earned income tax levy to fund the general operating budget. This levy would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2019, and would run through Dec. 31, 2023. There has not been a local revenue increase in the operating budget since 2004, with no state increase since 2014. With the local revenues remaining flat for 14 years, the expenditures to manage a school district continues to increase each year causing deficit spending in the 0perating budget.
The passage of the earned income tax will allow the district to continue to offer the programs and the diverse educational opportunities to meet students’ needs and prepare them for future success.
The earned income levy does not tax the senior citizens on a fixed income, such as social security, pensions and 401K’s. The tax also excludes income from interest, dividends, capital gains, child support and estates.
The school board has and will continue to be fiscally responsible with the public funds and are continually looking for ways to trim expenses while providing a quality educational experience for every child.
Thank you for your “yes” vote and continued support for our students.
Karl Dammeyer, president, St. Marys Board of Education
