The Wilmington City School District’s proposed income tax levy failed by a slim margin at Tuesday’s general election, according to unofficial results from the Clinton County Board of Elections.
The unofficial results revealed that 3,248 voters, or 50.48%, opposed the levy, while 3,186 voters, or 49.52%, supported the tax.
The levy would have taxed 1% on the earned income of “individuals residing in the school district” for five years starting at the beginning of 2024. The money would have been used to help pay for current expenses.
The levy was estimated to generate $5 million annually and without this new levy, the district may face “an average deficit” equaling the same amount, according to district officials.
This could lead to implementing staff reduction, increasing class sizes, school fees, and pay-to-participate fees.
Also at Tuesday’s election, the Clinton County Job & Family Services levy passed easily, according to unofficial totals.
Nicole Rodman, director of Jobs and Family services in Clinton County, said, “We first want to say thank you the Clinton County community for their continued support of the work that is done at Children Services. We have seen the number of children coming into the care of the agency continue to grow and we have experienced a nearly 31% increase in placement costs. The passage of this levy goes directly to supporting the children we are responsible to care for and ensuring they are protected and receive the appropriate services they need for positive outcomes. Thank you again to the Clinton County community!”
Clinton County Job and Family Services Levy:
– For the Tax Levy: 7,382 votes, 57.59%
– Against the Tax Levy: 5,436 votes
