(Letter to the Editor - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

The first thing to ask yourself is: Why is the bond / levy raised from .81 and .05 to .999 and .1%? Based on $40,000 (about average) taxable property valuations, the property tax comes to an additional $439.60 per year for 37 years and the .1% is perpetual, meaning that is goes on forever!

If your current property tax is $2,000, add $439.60 plus add $90 for five-year levies passed in May 2022 to that, plus add $440 for state of Ohio property re-appraisals for a $2,969.60 minimum per year for 37 years.

I am sure after five years the $90 levies will be asked to be renewed and operating levies for schools will be put on ballots.

Sixty-seven percent of property tax goes to the school system, which if the bond/levy passes is $1,989.63 per year.

It is said that your tax does not increase — not true — the bond / levy does not change but the property tax increases with every property tax re-evaluation!

Ask yourself: Do you want to pay over $60,000,000 for 37 years for new school buildings for a declining student population (currently less than 1,000 students total for K-12)?

Education is important, but a new building does not guarantee a solid education! Ask many students who go to college only to find out they have to take remedial courses to get to basic college level.

Full disclosure: I resigned from the school board because, in my opinion, this is just another example of fiscal irresponsibility and unjustifiable excuses!

Michael S. Baker

Belpre