MADISON TOWNSHIP — More than 55 percent of voters rejected a new, 1.5-percent income tax for Madison Local Schools at the polls on Tuesday.
There were 1,868 votes cast in favor of the measure and 2,312 against it, according to final, unofficial vote totals from the Richland County Board of Elections.
“While I am disappointed in the outcome of the election, I would like to thank our levy committee members for all of their hard work on behalf of the district, and I would like to thank all of our community members who supported the levy,” Supt. Rob Peterson said.
The levy would have generated about $6.27 million in revenue — a net gain of $3.33 million, since the school board committed to stopping the collection of a 2023 property tax levy if voters approved the income tax.
Schools administrators previously said if the levy didn’t pass, Madison will have to implement additional cost saving measures — like closing Mifflin Elementary School and bringing back pay-to-participate fees for sports and extracurriculars.
“Although the levy didn’t pass, and some very unfortunate reductions will have to be implemented, I know our board, administration, and staff will be committed to providing our students with the best education and support possible as we move forward,” Peterson said.
An effort to go back on the ballot isn’t out of the question, Peterson said.
“I anticipate that our board will be conducting work sessions over the coming weeks to consider the possibility of going back on the ballot in May and if more extensive reductions might be needed in addition to those that we’ve already discussed,” he said.