Hopewell Levy
Steve Oster, Coshocton DD Superintendent, is pictured with Hopewell School students Dakota and Emma in the school’s sensory room. Josie Sellers | Beacon
When was the levy first passed? Why and how is it being changed?
The levy is a continuing levy that was last replaced in 2000 (which means the collections from it are based on property values from that year). We are asking for it to be replaced with the current year property values and to add an additional ½ (.5) mill to it.
What will it cost property owners?
The additional cost to property owners of a home valued at $100,000 would be 14.2 cents a day (or $4.42 a month).
What will the funds be used for?
The funds will be used to provide services to individuals in Coshocton County who have a developmental disability and to maintain current agency operations. No funds would be used for any capital (building) projects.
Why should voters vote for this levy?
The Board of DD (Hopewell School) has not asked for any additional funding for 17 years. In that time, our enrollment has increased over 90 percent. The original financial plan was to ask for new money in 2009. Through creating program efficiencies and sharing staff with other agencies, Coshocton DD has kept off the ballot for an additional eight years.
What happens if this levy doesn’t pass?
Coshocton DD provides several important services to the county which are not mandated by law. These include Early Intervention, Help Me Grow, Special Olympics, and Hopewell School. Coshocton DD would have to re-evaluate our financial commitment for these non-mandated programs.
Editor’s note: Questions were answered by Steve Oster, Coshocton DD Superintendent.
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