Issue 4 follows two failed requests

ELYRIA — Elyria City Schools will ask voters in November to approve an 8.9-mill operating levy, a request about 82% larger than each of the two levy proposals rejected in 2025.

Issue 4 would raise approximately $11.6 million annually for the district’s current expenses, according to the Lorain County Board of Elections. The additional levy would continue without a scheduled expiration.

The district estimates the levy would cost homeowners about $26 per month, or $312 annually, for every $100,000 of property value as determined by the county auditor. The owner of a $300,000 home would pay approximately $78 per month, or $936 annually.

One mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of taxable property value. Residential property in Ohio is generally taxed on 35% of its appraised value.

The new request is considerably larger than the two 4.9-mill emergency levies voters rejected in May and November 2025. Those proposals would have raised approximately $6.4 million annually for 10 years and cost about $14 per month for every $100,000 of property value.

In May 2025, the levy received 2,150 votes in favor and 2,428 against. Voters rejected the second attempt in November by a larger margin, with 3,658 voting in favor and 4,581 voting against.

The new proposal would collect approximately $5.2 million more annually than the previous requests. Unlike the earlier 10-year proposals, Issue 4 would remain in effect on a continuing basis.

The district says the money would pay for daily operations, including teachers, student-support services, technology, transportation and utilities.

Following the two levy defeats, the Elyria school board approved approximately $9 million in reductions for the 2026-27 school year. The plan included reductions involving teachers, administrators, support employees, transportation, instructional programs and other district expenses.

District officials have said the reductions helped address the immediate financial shortfall but did not eliminate the district’s longer-term financial problems. The district’s latest financial forecast does not include revenue from the proposed levy.

If Issue 4 fails, the district says it could face approximately $8 million in additional reductions, potentially affecting extracurricular activities, electives and student-support services. Specific reductions would require school board approval.

The general election is Nov. 3.

Sources: Lorain County Board of Elections certified issues list and official 2025 election results; Elyria City Schools financial information and levy FAQ.

FirstEnergy seeks three-year rate plan