By MARK TODD
Staff Writer
mtodd@starbeacon.com
CONNEAUT - - Board of Education members unanimously agreed Thursday to place a five-year emergency levy on the November general ballot.
The action, approved without fanfare or comment, would raise $1.4 million annually for operating purposes.
An emergency levy guarantees the district will collect a specific sum of money, rather than rely on millage, where the earning power can fluctuate depending on economic factors.
The $1.4 million results from an analysis conducted this year by school finance experts. The consultants said the district would need to collect that sum to temporary fend off a multi-million deficit expected in a few years.
Stagnant revenue and increasing operating costs - - including fuel and utilities - - have compounded the financial pinch. The districts five-year, 6.9-mill operating levy will expire at the end of the year.
A committee is being formed to help explain the need for the levy. The groups first meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. July 31 at Southeast Elementary Schools professional development room. The public is welcome to attend to learn more about the issue.
"Id like to see the room full at the levy meeting," said member Michael Kennedy.
Nicholas Iarocci, board president, agreed. "We need more community involvement in the levy campaign," he said.
In other business, one victim of recent budget cuts - - the administration building at 263 Liberty St. - - will be offered for sale at a public auction to be held at 10 a.m. Aug. 26. Minimum bid of $175,000 has been established for the building, the districts headquarters for nearly 30 years.
If the building is not sold at auction, Gleason Realty of Conneaut will market the building.
A small parcel of land fronting Middle Road will also be available at the auction. There has been recent interest in the Middle Road land, members learned.
The administrative offices will move into Southeast Elementary School early next month. The departure from the buildings was one of several budget-cutting measures totaling $700,000, approved by the board earlier this year.
Elsewhere, the board approved a one-year contract with members of the Conneaut Classified Employees Association that includes a wage freeze. The group had a 2006 wage/benefits reopener in 2006 included in the pact approved last year.
Board members and administrators said they appreciated the CCEAs understanding of the districts financial plight.
"Id like to thank (the CCEA) for working with us," said Superintendent Mary Zappitelli. "Its a difficult situation. Im pleased we came to an agreement."
A contract with members of the Conneaut Education Association is pending. A vote on a tentative agreement barely missed the two-thirds majority needed for approval, officers said.
The teachers have been without a contract since the end of June.
