BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Among the topics on the agenda of the Boardman Local School Board during a work session held on Thurs., Oct. 2 was a five-year forecast for fiscal years ending June 30, 2026 thru June 30, 2030 that was prepared by the district’s treasurer, Arthur Ginnetti.
      The forecast shows expected revenues from property taxes have increased since fiscal year 2023, from $50.637 million to some $54.744 million in fiscal year 2025.
      “Property tax collections are the largest single revenue source for the school system and a significant risk to the forecast. We project growth in appraised values every three years and new construction growth with modest increases in local taxes. Total local revenues, predominately local taxes, equate to 75% of the district’s resources,” the five year forecast says.
      The forecast projects between fiscal year 2026 and fiscal year 2030 “base wages” will increase by almost $2 million--- from $32.317 million in FY-2026 to $34.252 million in FY-2030.
      Fringe benefits, including retirement monies, workers compensation and medicare are expected to increase during the same period, from $14.152 million in FY-2026 to $17.620 million in FY-2030, days the forecast.
      School Levies
      According to the forecast, the Boardman Local School District has a 5.9 mill operating levy and a 6.0 mill operating levy that will expire December 31, 2026.
      “The District also has a $4.6 million emergency levy expiring December 31, 2027 and a $4.9 million emergency, and 5.9 mill operating levy expiring December 31, 2028, and finally a $1.999 million emergency levy expiring December 31, 2029.
      “We plan to renew all levies,” says the forecast, adding “We are renewing levies for the same revenue we currently collect.”
      Property Tax Reform Group
      The forecast noted the Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has created a property tax reform working group co-chaired by former legislators.
      “The working group is tasked with thoroughly examining issues related to how to provide meaningful property tax relief to homeowners and businesses while ensuring that funding for local schools, local governments, fire, police, EMS, libraries, and developmental disabilities is adequate,” says the forecast adding “The legislature has introduced several other bills have been introduced in the Ohio Legislature that would limit real estate tax growth or eliminate real estate tax collections completely.
      “Many of these bills are still in committee. Many of these pending bills represent a serious risk to our school district funding.”