(THE PICKET)—The renewal of the current excess levy for Jefferson County schools, which will expire on June 30, 2016, can be voted on early from now until Dec. 8, and official voting will take place on Saturday, Dec. 12.
The levy, which funds programs such as art, music, theater, nurses, libraries and instructional, media and technology materials for students, has provided nearly $24 million during this fiscal year to Jefferson County schools.
If the current levy does not get renewed for the upcoming year, the school board will have to cut over $19 million from its current budget, as the excess levy now makes up about 22 percent of the total budget, according to Jefferson County’s government website.
“Speaking as a parent, I am confident that this may very well be the most impactful decision that we face as a community for many years. I am profoundly involved in the schools and I am fully aware that Jefferson County Schools are not flawless. I know there are areas of weakness, but I also know the areas of strength are plentiful. I support the renewal of the excess levy because I want to continue to live in a community that puts an emphasis on providing a quality education for our children and nurturing a healthy business infrastructure,” said Amy Panzarella, co-chairman of the Jefferson County Citizens Committee to Renew the Excess Levy.
The current excess levy requires the same tax that has existed since 1946, so taxes would not increase for Jefferson County citizens if they vote in favor of the levy, according to the government website for Jefferson County.
“All of our funding sources have decreased (i.e. state support, table games revenue, impact fees and local property taxes. All of this makes the levy revenue that much more important. Losing the levy would have a devastating effect on Jefferson County Schools. Many employees would have to be laid off—a terrible situation,” said Gary Kable, another member of the Jefferson County levy committee.
Early votes can be cast at the Jefferson County courthouse each day except Sunday until Dec. 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“This is a sound investment in our children and our county,” Panzarella said.
For more information, visit http://boe.jeff.k12.wv.us/Levy2015.