Perrysburg levy renewal on the ballot this May

PERRYSBURG, Ohio — Perrysburg Schools are working to inform the community about a critical renewal levy appearing on the May 6 ballot. 

The district is hosting a series of public meetings, starting April 1 and running through May 2, to provide details and answer voter questions.

If renewed, the five-year permanent improvement levy will continue generating approximately $1.7 million annually for building improvements while maintaining the current funding rate.

“It only goes towards buildings, roofs, parking lots, windows, doors, buses. Those kinds of things,” said Tom Hosler Superintendent for Perrysburg Schools.

Levy details, according to Perrysburg Schools

• Renewal – The levy is a renewal of an existing tax

• Levy rate: 1.9 mills (voted rate), currently collecting at 1.17 mills

• Annual revenue: ~$1.7 million

• Cost to homeowners: $40.95 per year ($3.41/month) per $100,000 home value

• Qualifies for homestead and rollback discounts

Without voter approval, the levy will expire on Dec. 31, potentially forcing the district to make cuts in other areas.

The language of the levy on the ballot is as follows:

A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the Perrysburg Exempted Village School District for the purpose of general permanent improvements that the county auditor estimates will collect $1,798,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 1.9 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $41 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2025, first due in calendar year 2026.

Superintendent Tom Hosler emphasized the importance of the levy, noting that it funds projects such as roof repairs. He also acknowledged the increased push for public engagement this year, given that 50% of school levies across Ohio failed in last November’s election.

“I think just continuing to try and instill there’s a value to this,” Hosler said. “At the end of the day, if you’re a homeowner in Perrysburg, you want the schools to be successful. You want the buildings to be well-maintained and inviting because when you go to sell your home, people want to be here in Perrysburg because of the schools.”

Since its initial passage in 1980, the levy has been consistently renewed every five years.

To meet the scheduling needs of community members, the district is offering multiple opportunities for informational presentations and building tours:

• Tuesday, April 1 | 7:00-8:00 p.m. – Perrysburg Junior High School (550 E South Boundary St.)

• Monday, April 14 | 1:00-2:00 p.m. – Board Office (140 E. Indiana Ave.)

• Tuesday, April 15 | 6:30-7:30 p.m. – Fort Meigs Elementary School (26431 Fort Meigs Rd.)

• Thursday, April 17 | 6:00-7:00 p.m. – Frank Elementary School (401 W South Boundary St.)

• Thursday, April 24 | 1:00-2:00 p.m. – Board Office (140 E. Indiana Ave.)

• Thursday, April 24 | 6:00-7:00 p.m. – Toth Elementary School (200 E 7th St.)

• Monday, April 28 | 6:00-7:00 p.m. – Woodland Elementary School (27979 White Rd.)

• Friday, May 2 | 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Board Office (140 E. Indiana Ave.)

Please visit our website for more information: https://tinyurl.com/PI-renew2025.