BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — UPDATE: This story has been updated to reflect the latest information from the Wood County Board of Elections after they certified its official results.
Editor's note: The video attached is from results known by 10 p.m. on election night.
In a disappointing outcome for the Bowling Green City Schools, voters have rejected the proposed 0.75% income tax levy. Unofficial results show the levy failing with 6,875 votes in favor and 7,027 votes against.
However, official results released on Nov. 20, as certified by the Wood County Board of Elections, showed a final result of 7,174 for the levy (49.63%) and 7,282 against the levy (50.37%). Two votes were also cast in Henry County, with the measure failing by 110 votes. This falls outside the one-half of 1% margin that would lead to an automatic recount.
The levy was designed to generate additional revenue to support the district’s day-to-day operations, including avoiding layoffs of teachers and support staff, maintaining course offerings, and supporting after-school activities.
The failure of the levy means the district will face significant financial challenges moving forward.
The levy would have been in addition to an existing 0.5% income tax, providing the necessary financial stability to lift the district away from deficit spending. Without this additional funding, the district will need to make difficult decisions regarding budget cuts and potential layoffs.
Community reactions have been mixed, with some expressing concern over the future of the district’s programs and services.
In a letter to the community Wednesday, the district's superintendent Ted Haselman said more than 1,900 provisional ballots still needed to be counted in Wood County. Because of this narrow margin of the vote, the school district said they are waiting to learn if the provisional ballots could change the outcome of the levy.
"Given the narrow margin of the vote, these provisional ballots could be significant, and we ask for your patience as we await the official results. We know that either way, the outcome of this vote will impact our district's continued operation and financial health. We will communicate more information once we have the official results.
In the meantime, I encourage any community members with questions about our district's financial situation or the potential impacts of this levy to contact me or our Treasurer, Matt Feasel. As always, we are committed to maintaining transparency, keeping you informed, and serving our students, staff, and community. Thank you again for your support, understanding, and patience as we await the final count. We truly appreciate your commitment to our district and its future."
As the district assesses its next steps, officials will be looking at other potential funding sources and strategies to maintain essential services. The failure of the levy underscores the financial challenges facing the district and the need for sustainable solutions.
The official results will be confirmed after the official canvass takes place.
Want more from WTOL 11 News?
➡️ Download the WTOL 11 news app for Apple here or get it in the Google store here.
➡️ Get a fresh start to your morning and wrap up your day with the latest news and your WTOL 11 Weather forecast delivered right to your inbox!
WTOL 11's Your Morning Blast and Your Evening Blast deliver stories from northwest Ohio, southeast Michigan and beyond to keep you informed.
Click here to get on the list!
➡️ Stay up to date on what's happening in your community with a 24/7 live stream and on-demand content from WTOL 11+.
Our free WTOL 11+ apps are available on Roku and Fire TV.
WTOL 11+ features the latest breaking news and weather, plus daily talk shows, coverage of your favorite sports teams from Locked On, fact-checking from VERIFY and the latest trending stories from Daily Blast Live.
➡️ Looking for the lowest current local gas prices? Check out the WTOL 11 gas price tracker, powered by Gas Buddy, here.