Amherst Ohio Voting: School Levy & Ballot Issues

This page is meant to help Amherst Ohio registered voters with information about upcoming levy issues on the ballot, school levies, city operating levies and other voting issues.  We will stick to the facts on this page and not try to promote one side or another of the issue.

On the May 3, 2011 primary election ballot, Amherst Ohio Schools District voters will be presented with a decision about whether they should vote for or against a school levy of 6.75-mills.  This levy is intended to fund the construction of  a community recreation center in the city (with the partnership of the Lorain County Metro Parks).  Additionally, this levy will also be intended to pay for the addition of a new school building.

This levy issue was placed on the May primary ballot unanimously by the Amherst School Board, which is represented by School Superintendent Steve Sayers.  The breakdown of funding specifics for the levy is as follows: a 0.5-mill existing permanent improvement levy, combined with a request to Amherst school district voters for an additional 3.95 mills that will allow for operating expenses of five years.

Lastly, the levy will also provide for a 37-year bond request that equates to $26 million, or 2.3 mills.  This section of the levy will help pay for a recreation center and a new school building that will house prekindergarten to fourth grade students in Amherst.

The new school building would be constructed under an agreement with the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission, and the recreation center portion of the bond issue would be formed on a partnership with the Lorain County Metro Parks.  According to the Morning Journal Newspaper, the owner of a property that is valued at $150,000 can expect to pay $25.83 per month if this school levy issue passes.