By Don Rutledge
Associate Editor
November 4, 2009
Carroll County voters approved both tax levy renewals on Tuesday's general election ballot.
They included a 1-mill tax levy for Carroll Hills School which was approved by an unofficial margin of 1,212 votes. The unofficial tally was 4,650 For the levy and 3,438 Against.
The 1.7-mill tax levy renewal for the purpose of general construction, reconstruction and resurfacing of roads and bridges within the county was also approved by an unofficial margin of 458 votes. The unofficial tabulation was 4,288 For the levy and 3,830 Against.
Commenting on the voter approval of the Carroll Hills School levy, School Supt. Matt Campbell said:
"We are so thankful for the wonderful support shown for our Carroll Hills School through the voters passing this levy. The renewal of this levy shows the tax payers continued support of our great school program.
"This levy will ensure our school age programs, preschool, early intervention, and therapy services will remain at Carroll Hills School.
"Thank you to all the staff, parents, family members, advocates, guardians, businesses and friends of the program who donated money, items, talent and time to pass this levy.
"Thank you Carroll County voters for providing quality care for Carroll County children with disabilities," he added.
Village Levies
Three of the four area village levies reportedly were approved in the unofficial tabulation. Approved were:
- A 1.26-mill tax levy renewal for the Dellroy Volunteer Fire Department - 78 For and 21 Against.
- A 2.5-mill fire levy renewal in Magnolia - 45 For and 12 Against (Carroll County vote only).
- A 1.8-mill replacement tax levy for current expenses in the village of Leesville - 34 For; 29 Against.
Residents of Malvern rejected an additional 4.0-mill tax levy renewal for providing and maintaining motor vehicles, communications, other equipment, buildings and sites for the operation of a police department or the payment of salaries of permanent police personnel - 131 For, 179 Against.
School Levies
All five area school levies were approved unofficial at Tuesday's election. Levies approved included:
Brown Local
- A 5.62-mill tax levy renewal for the Brown Local School District at Malvern to avoid an operating deficit of the school district in the sum of $700,000. The unofficial vote was 901 For; 647 Against.
In response to the voter approval, Brown Local School Supt. Connie Griffin said:
"We are very pleased with our community's support during these challenging economic times. Our school district has experienced the same final challenges that all of us have.
"Malvern students are still receiving a quality education in spite of over $600,000 cuts that we implemented this year. With the continued support of this renewal levy, our district will be able to remain fiscally solvent and maintain a solid basic education for our students" she added.
Conotton Valley School District
- An 8.3-mill tax levy renewal to prevent an operating deficit of the Conotton Valley Union Local school district which was unofficially approved by a vote of 590 For and 382 Against.
- A 2-mill tax levy replacement for permanent improvements within the Conotton Valley Union Local School District was unofficially approved by a vote of 531 For and 443 Against.
Commenting on the approval of the two levies, Conotton Valley School Supt. Jeff Bleininger said:
"As the superintendent of Conotton Valley Schools, we are very pleased that our communities have passed the permanent improvement levy and renewed the emergency operating levy.
"We thank the citizens of the school district for their continued support of our schools, students and staff. I would also like to thank our levy committee for the work they have done and their volunteer efforts. It is greatly appreciated."
Southern Local School District
Residents of the Southern Local School District overwhelming approved a 7.84-mill tax levy renewal for current expenses by an unofficial vote of 1,040 for and 741 Against.
Commenting on the levy's renewal, Southern Local School Supt. James Herring said:
"I would like to thank the Southern Local School District community for their continued support and faith in Southern Local.
"In these unsteady, financial times it is encouraging to know the community believes in education and is willing to demonstrate their belief by passing the renewal levy.
"Because of your dedication towards Southern Local for the past 10 years, and now once again for another 5 years, we are able to continue striving for 'Excellence'. The administration pledges to be good stewards fiscally with the goal of benefiting all students.
"But most importantly, we pledge to guide and train your children, our students, to be competitive, successful members in today's and tomorrow's society," Herring added.
Edison Local School District
A 2-mill tax levy renewal for emergency requirements of the Edison Local School District was approved by an official vote of 3,150 For and 2,207 Against.
Although Edison Local School Supt. David Quattrochi was asked to respond to the levy's results, he did not send any response to The Free Press Standard. |
