November 2025 ballot issue

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 23, 2025

The Franklin City Schools Board of Education has taken steps to place a 1% income tax on the traditional tax base on the November 2025 ballot. 

• This issue is for new operating money and is a continuing levy.
• It is an income tax rather than property tax and primarily will be collected by employers from people who live in the Franklin City Schools’ district. 
• Income that is taxed uses the same income base that the State of Ohio uses for their income tax (line 5 of the state return). 
• Income that is NOT taxed includes social security benefits; disability and survivor benefits; railroad retirement benefits; welfare benefits; child support; property received as a gift, bequest, or inheritance; and workers’ compensation benefits.
• Taxes would first be collected in 2026. 
• The issue is estimated to raise $6,357,155 annually. 

Dr. Michael Sander, superintendent of schools, noted that the district promised that the 2014 levy would last 8 to 10 years. At this point the district has not had new operating money since 2014. “The district has been excellent stewards of residents’ tax dollars, and we’ve managed our finances to make the levy last 11 years. Unfortunately, at this time, we’re looking at a negative cash balance for fiscal year 2027, and need additional revenues to close that gap. With the failure of the May 2025 levy, we had to make cuts in order to lower expenses, such as reducing busing to state minimums, increasing classroom and extracurricular participation fees, and eliminating all-day kindergarten. With passage of the income tax, we will be able to restore those items.” 

Sander added, “We do know how strongly our community supports our school district. In 2020, voters resoundingly passed a bond issue for new and renovated buildings, and we’re proud of our beautiful new high school. However, we’re all feeling the pressure of increases in property taxes, so we’ve chosen to place an income tax on the ballot because we understand that many of our supporters simply can’t afford more property taxes.” 

Sander noted, “It is never easy to ask our residents for additional monies, but unfortunately, Ohio’s school funding system relies heavily on local taxpayers. An added blow is that the amount of money the district will be receiving over the next two years from the State of Ohio this year is $1 million less than last year.”

Those with questions may contact the superintendent’s office at (937) 746-1699 or attend a Franklin Board of Education meeting. Public comments are at the beginning of the meeting and guests are asked to state their name and address for the record. Board of Education meeting dates are posted on the district website (www.franklincityschools.com) and social media.