Why is Cincinnati Public Schools placing a new-money levy in front of voters for the first time in a decade? Why is the district is proposing a property tax when homeowners have continuously voiced property tax fatigue? What will the new dollars be used for?
Voters can ask CPS Superintendent Shauna Murphy and Treasurer Mike Gustin these questions and more at two community town halls being hosted this October.
Here's everything to know.
When, where are Cincinnati Public Schools' town halls?
Tuesday, Oct. 13
- When: 6-7 p.m.
- Where: Dater Montessori School, 2840 Boudinot Ave., Cincinnati.
Tuesday, Oct. 20
- When: 6-7 p.m.
- Where: Walnut Hills High School, 3250 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati.
Will there be a virtual option?
Yes, both town halls will be livestreamed on the district's Facebook page.
About Cincinnati Public Schools' property tax levy
CPS is proposing a 7-mill property tax spanning five years to help fund day-to-day operations. It would provide over $66 million for the district annually.
The new property tax would amount to $245 per $100,000 of a home's assessed value annually.
For the average home value of those living within CPS of $285,000, the district said, the tax would amount to $698 annually.
The last time CPS passed a new-money levy was in 2016, with the 7.93-mill, five-year property tax that raised about $48 million for the district's preschool program. New funds for general operating costs were last secured in a 2008, from a 7.89-mill levy that lasted five years.
When is election day?
Election day is Tuesday, Nov. 3. Polls in Hamilton County will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. that day.
Voters can cast their general election ballots early in-person at the Hamilton County Board of Elections, 4700 Smith Road, at select times Oct. 6 through Nov. 1.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Public Schools is hosting tax levy town halls. Where, when
