BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — 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.
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.
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