Renewal resolutions advance to ballot as board clarifies no new taxes involved
At its regular meeting on July 14, the Lorain City School Board unanimously approved two resolutions to place renewal levies on the upcoming ballot—both aimed at maintaining essential district funding without increasing taxes for residents.
The board emphasized that neither levy represents a new tax, despite potentially confusing millage language in the official documentation.
“This is not a tax increase,” board members clarified during discussion. “Even though you may see a number like 23.85 mills on the paperwork, the actual millage being collected is much lower—now under 10 mills.”
The first resolution concerns the renewal of the district’s current expense levy, which was originally passed in the early 1990s. Due to how Ohio law handles school levies, the total amount of money collected by the district remains the same year after year. As property values increase, the millage rate is adjusted downward to avoid over-collecting.
“The district cannot collect more money than voters originally approved,” Superintendent Dr. Jeff Graham explained. “This means the effective tax rate decreases over time, even though the original millage number stays on the books.”
The second resolution seeks to renew an emergency levy that was first passed 13 years ago. Like the current expense levy, the emergency levy is capped at the dollar amount initially approved by voters and will not result in additional tax burden.
Both measures will appear on the ballot in upcoming elections. If voters approve them, they will extend the existing revenue streams that fund school operations, staff, and essential services.
Board members noted the importance of voter understanding ahead of the vote.
“Millage is a confusing concept for a lot of people,” said one member. “But this is about maintaining stability—nothing new is being added, and your taxes won’t go up.”
The board also discussed efforts to increase communication with residents to ensure clarity around the levies before voting begins.
For now, both resolutions will proceed through the necessary steps to reach the ballot. More information will be provided to the public in the coming weeks.