The Williamsburg Local Schools District Board of Education voted at the November 20. 2023 Regular Board Meeting to place a Renewal of the Emergency Operating Levy on the March 19, 2024 Ballot. The Emergency Operating Levy Renewal will continue the existing Emergency Operating Levy that was first approved in 2009, renewed in 2013 and again in November 2018. It is a levy for the day-to-day operating expenses of the district and is not for the construction of the new Elementary School.

The Emergency Operating Levy Renewal will begin in tax year 2024 for collection in 2025 when the current Emergency Operating Levy expires. The Emergency Operating Levy collects approximately $997,000 annually today, and will continue to collect the same amount in the future. The Emergency Operating Levy Renewal still qualifies for the 2.5% Owner Occupancy Credit and the 10% Non-Business Credit.

What is on the March 19, 2024 ballot?

A five-year renewal of the current 5.35 mill emergency operating levy in the amount of $997,000 to be used for day-to-day expenses such as supplies, utilities, programming, activities, and personnel costs. To summarize, this is a renewal only - NO NEW TAXES.  

What does the renewal of this emergency operating levy cost homeowners?

This renewal only levy will not cost homeowners anything new on their taxes; it is just a renewal of the levy which amounts to $187 annually, or $15.58 monthly per $100,000 appraised valuation of your property.

How much am I currently paying and would continue to pay for the renewal of this emergency operating levy?

To view how much this will cost you, visit the Auditor’s Website, type your name, and click “Proposed Levies for March 19, 2024 Election” on the left.

Here is an example of a property with an appraised value of $154,200. Note, there is no additional cost for the renewal of this emergency operating levy.

Is this different from the substitute levy that was on the ballot in November 2023?

Yes. The Williamsburg Board of Education and administration gathered feedback after the Nov. 2023 levy and decided to revert back to a renewal only levy (no new taxes), even though the district has not recognized any monetary increase for the history of this emergency operating levy. This emergency operating levy was originally passed in 2009, and renewed in 2013 and 2018.

Will this levy be used to pay for the construction of our new elementary school?

No, this levy has nothing to do with construction or facility improvements at any of our buildings.  Construction of our new elementary school will be co-funded by the State of Ohio (68%) and the Williamsburg Local School District (32%).  The WLSD co-funded portion will be paid for from payments generated by economic development agreements at the South Afton Commerce Park. As explained above, the renewal of this emergency operating levy will be used for day-to-day operating expenses. To learn more about the construction of our new Williamsburg Elementary School, click here.