News

The Trimble School District may consider an income tax levy amidst a fiscal emergency

By: Ty Carpenter
Posted on: Friday, June 20, 2025

< < Back to news

GLOUSTER, Ohio (WOUB) – The Trimble Local School District is considering an income tax levy to assist with the school’s financial recovery plan.

The suggestion came at Wednesday’s board of education meeting where Superintendent John Hurd acknowledged that while not popular, a levy may be the most viable option moving forward.

“We have already cut 41 people. We don’t have much room for more cuts, and none of us like making those decisions.” said Hurd. “We have to find some means, other than cutting staff, to pay this debt.”

The district faces a projected deficit of $11 million by 2029 and is in fiscal emergency, meaning the state has oversight of its finances. Compared to a property tax, the potential income tax levy would generate far more money to make up that deficit.

“Simply passing a millage would not generate a lot of money. … It’s a conversation none of us want to have, but we have to bring this forward,” said Hurd. “Our job is to either cut costs or raise revenue. We don’t want to make more cuts.”

Potential levies proposed by Hurd include a 0.5% income tax levy, which would produce about $287,000 a year for the district. That tax could be as high as 1.5%, producing $861,000 a year.

“Let me just say I hate levies,” said Board Member Gary Arnold as he addressed the public. “If you don’t like them that’s fine, but this is a way we could move forward. We have to think about it.” 

Still, the audience seemed hesitant by the suggestion. Some debated the levy as the meeting entered executive session. “This situation sucks, but what do we even have left?” one person remarked.

The Financial Planning and Supervision Commission for the Trimble Local School District is set to meet June 25. The next Board of Education meeting will take place July 17.