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Myths and misconceptions related to the Operating Levy: 
Setting the record straight
 
 

Myth #1

Beavercreek Schools are on the ballot because the district needs money to pay for its new school buildings.


Only a small percentage (one and one-half mill) of the March 6 levy request will be used to operate the new buildings.  During the bond campaigns in 2007 and 2008, school administrators informed residents that an operating levy in the amount of one and one-half mill would likely be placed on the ballot to cover the cost of operating the new buildings.

 

The remaining millage in the current operating request is necessary to offset the district's growth in enrollment, cuts in state funding and the increased costs of doing business.

 

Myth #2
I've heard that the new schools will not open if the levy does not pass.
 
Beavercreek Schools leaders are committed to opening the new schools regardless of whether the levy passes.  However, without passage of the November 6 tax issue, the district will be forced to draw from reserves to pay for the operation of the new schools.
 
Myth #3
Emergency operating levies are used by schools when they are in financial trouble.


The term "emergency operating levy" is misleading in that it implies a fiscal emergency.  It actually refers to any levy that is fixed in revenue and requires renewal--one whose funds are not "continuing" or permanent.

 

Myth #4

An emergency operating levy will generate more money for our schools as the district grows.


Revenues from emergency operating levies DO NOT INCREASE with inflation, population growth or new residential and commercial development.  They only generate a fixed amount of revenue.  So when Beavercreek residents pass such a levy, that levy garners the same amount of money no matter how much growth takes place in the tax base.  Over time, however, as development continues, the tax burden is spread out among existing taxpayers, resulting in decreased taxes over time.

 

Myth #5

Property taxes on newly-constructed homes will cover the costs of educating the district's additional students.


Property tax collections from new homes DO NOT COVER the costs of educating new students.  Approximately $1.5 million in appraised property value is needed to cover the cost of educating each additional child.

 

The recent triennium update, completed in 2011, resulted in a 4.7 percent decrease in property values, which also results in an additional loss of revenue for the district.

 

Myth #6

Sales taxes levied by the Mall at Fairfield Commons, The Greene and other retail establishments benefit our schools.

 

The sales tax serves as a source of revenue for state and county governments, but NOT for schools.  Greene County's government does not redistribute any funds to the Beavercreek City School District.

 

Myth #7

A city income tax would provide income for our schools.


A City income tax would tax the people who work within City limits for the benefit of the City, but would not serve as a source of revenue for Beavercreek Schools. 


Myth #8

A school district income tax is a good option for raising additional revenue for our schools. 


This measure only taxes residents, and NOT individuals who work in the district but live elsewhere.  Corporations are also exempt from this form of tax.  And it is a more expensive form of tax for residents because no rollbacks or rebates apply.
 

Myth #9

School district residents that live outside the city or township boundaries do not pay their fair share of school taxes.


Anyone who owns property in the Beavercreek City School District, whether in Greene or Montgomery counties, must, by law, pay property taxes to the district.  All school district taxpayers are subject to the same tax rate.