Westerville voters to decide fate of income tax for schools

WESTERVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- Voters living in the Westerville City School District have an important decision to make Tuesday – a .75% earned income tax is appearing on the ballot.

The vote comes one year after Westerville voters rejected a property tax levy, but this year’s tax would only apply to wages, salaries and self-employment income.

Westerville City Schools Superintendent Angie Hamberg said putting a levy on the November ballot once again was not something district leaders took lightly. If the income tax fails, Hamburg said many electives, AP classes and colleges credit courses would likely be cut, along with more than 120 jobs and 14 bus routes.

“Those decisions were made based on what do we have to have, so we have to have English class, we have to have math class, we don't have to have art class in an elementary, for an example,” Hamberg said.

Westerville resident Doug Krinsky said the community spoke loud and clear last November. He said he wants to see the district be more frugal.

“The money makes a difference to these folks and I see it, you know, when I was taking the yard signs out, people were telling me their personal stories,” Krinsky said. “They can't afford it.”

Westerville parent Emma Nelson said cuts are inevitable if the levy fails and they will impact her three sons’ educations. She said strong schools are important for a strong community.

“I have two kids in elementary school,” Nelson said. “They would be looking at losing music, art and P.E. You know, unfortunately, those aren't required. So, if we kind of have to cut things to the bare minimum, those go.”

People on both sides said they feel optimistic ahead of Election Day.

“We are absolutely not against the kids,” Krinsky said. “What we're about is being, you know, frugal with the money. I mean, be smart with the money.”

“Right now, we need to take action and prevent the cuts from ever happening,” Nelson said.

The income tax levy will be on ballots for all voters living within the Westerville City School District, which includes parts of Columbus, Blendon Township, Genoa Township and more. If passed, it’ll cost 75 cents per every $100 of earned income.