OCM News Service

Members of the Bethel Local School District voted yes to continue the renewal of a four-year, 3.67-mill emergency operating levy on the Nov. 2 ballot.

"The results are good," Bethel Superintendent Jeff Cassell said. "There's a lot of pride in the school district and 2010 was a great year of support from the community."

Bethel Township voters passed the issue with 1,375 votes for the renewal (57 percent) and 1,033 against the renewal (43 percent).

The 3.67-mill emergency levy generates $531,000, no more and no less, each year to operate the district, collecting in years 2012 through 2015.

The renewal of the four-year 3.67-mill emergency operating levy costs a $100,000 homeowner $112.39 a year.

"I'm just really appreciative of our community's continued support throughout the year," Cassell said.

This levy is a renewal of an emergency levy originally passed in 1999 at 5.5 mills and has gradually decreased to its current collection rate of 3.5-mills due to growth in the district.

Cassell said "2010 was a great year of support" starting with the district passing the 0.75 percent earned income tax in May 2010.

Cassell previously said the district will continue its efforts to cut costs in the district from utility costs and other operating expenses.

For more information about Bethel Local School, visit its website at www.bethel.k12.oh.us.