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EAST PALESTINE -- East Palestine voters have rejected an earned income tax levy for the local school district.
Voters rejected the measure by 67 percent on Tuesday, with 1,818 residents casting no votes and 888 giving their approval.
The 1 percent continuous earned income tax levy was being sought by the district in order to provide a stable source of revenue to help maintain operations.
"While we are disappointed in the outcome, we respect the decision of our voters and appreciate everyone who took the time to participate in this election. Our commitment to providing a quality education and meaningful opportunities for our students remains unchanged. However, without this additional revenue, the district will need to carefully evaluate its financial priorities and make difficult decisions regarding future expenditures, programs, and operations," District Superintendent Dr. James Rook said.
The district anticipated that the income tax levy would generate just over $2.04 million for the district by 2029 and 2030, had it passed.
Rook said the district has worked to reduce expenses and pursue additional funding opportunities as efficiently as possible in the meantime, and those efforts will continue.
The district will now begin assessing options and determining the best way to maintain the educational experience the students deserve, he added.
"We remain committed to transparency and keeping our community informed as we navigate the challenges ahead," he said.