Loveland, Ohio –It has been a tough few weeks for people all over the United States with COVID-19 hasn’t reached its peak. With many small businesses and schools being forced to close their doors for the safety of the public, community members all over Ohio are wondering what’s next?
LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV decided to join forces with Loveland’s Mayor Kathy Bailey in an on-camera interview so that we could get answers to some of the community’s hard-hitting questions! Mayor Bailey sat down with us, while of course still adhering to the 6 feet rule, in the Amphitheater at Nisbet Park in Downtown Loveland in hopes that she could not only share what she and her team are doing for the community but also answer any questions the Loveland community, small businesses, and school officials might have about the foreseeable future.
We know most of Loveland is at home right now wanting to connect with the community virtually so in saying that sit back, grab your favorite snack, and tune into LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV presents a “One-on-One With Mayor Kathy Bailey!”
The current system and laws in regard to funding schools in Ohio are flawed. The funding system overemphasizes real estate taxes and creates inequality in educational funding across the state. The system has been declared unconstitutional multiple times by the Ohio Supreme Court, most recently in 2002.However, due to inaction by the administrative and legislative branches, the funding system remains law. So school systems, like Loveland, that do not have large commercial and industrial bases, must rely heavily on local, individual real estate taxes in order to operate.Voters are faced with the choice of voting for higher taxes or not providing our public schools with the funds necessary to operate effectively. Our schools simply cannot be effective in preparing current and future students without the essential funds to operate.
Dr. Gregg Tracy is a Loveland resident and property owner, a Loveland High School Graduate, a retired professor of leadership, and former school administrator.
Even as assessed property values increase, no new monies are generated for schools. Thus operating funds are fixed while operating costs increase.New levies are regularly and periodically necessary. It is a reality in Ohio.Excellent schools depend on good administration, teaching, and community participation, but schools just cannot perform effectively without periodic tax levies.
Loveland’s consistent excellence will continue to benefit students and the community.
It is easy to say, “I do not want to pay more taxes.” It is equally as easy to come up with justifications for voting “no.” Historically, voting against operating levies has not been a strategy that has facilitated any positive change. It is a weak substitute for dialogue and cooperative participation in a meaningful process aimed at changing and improving schools. Without necessary funds, schools cannot operate effectively, let alone have opportunities to change and improve. With needed funds, Loveland’s consistent excellence will continue to benefit students and the community. Loveland’s board and administration, have established a number of ways to learn, cooperate and participate in the school improvement process.Administration is accessible, public meetings have been held and will continue, printed materials have been sent regularly, and online communications are available.The leadership team has been very clear about the district’s needs and financial status.
They are simply asking for operating funds to continue the quality education that Loveland has been providing over time.
As our school board asks for additional operating funds in March, they are not asking for money for building or adding programs. They are simply asking for operating funds to continue the quality education that Loveland has been providing over time. The board has committed to keeping expense growth to less than 3% through fiscal year 2024. As a concerned citizen, I encourage you to make an informed decision in March based on an understanding of the need based on Ohio’s funding system and the recognition of the importance of your vote for our community. Public schools are one of our community’s vital organizations.As you make your decision in March, I hope you have gone directly to the source and not relied on hearsay and negative campaigns. I hope that you have directly accessed information sources made available by the district’s leadership team. I also hope that you consider our students and the short term and long term effects of your vote.Summarily, I hope you cast a concerned and informed vote on March 17.
Loveland, Ohio – We wanted to let the community in on the excitement that is building as the Loveland High School Women’s Basketball team heads to the Division I District Finals tomorrow. Cassie Mattia went to the school Friday afternoon and interviewed Head Coach Darnell Parker and the team just before they were to begin their last practice before taking on Mount Notre Dame Saturday at 3 PM.
They have put themselves in the position to beat the #3 team in the nation. MND is also rated the top team in Ohio.
You will be needed as the 6th woman/man/girl/boy and that’s why we wanted you to meet the team. Both LHS and the community of Loveland encourage everyone to come out and show their support for the LHS Women’s Basketball team tomorrow as they continue to change school history!
Game time is 3 PM and it will be played at Princeton High School in what is predicted to be a jam packed gym. (MAP 100 Viking Way, Cincinnati, Ohio.)
Below is the exclusive interview with Coach Parker and the Tiger’s!
Kim and Rick Donaldson live on Paxton Road in Miami Township
by Kim and Rick Donaldson
At its February 18th business meeting, the Loveland City School District Board of Education reviewed the administration’s updated five-year financial forecast, which includes annual operating expenditure cuts averaging $2.5 million and fee increases averaging $0.2 million.* The updated forecast still requires passage of a 6.95 mill operating levy, which will raise annual revenue by $6.3 million, to maintain an adequate cash balance through fiscal year 2024. Indeed, the included budget cuts were made for the express purpose of limiting the levy to only 6.95 mills. So, after cutting $2.5 million from expenditures, why do we need an additional $6.5 million (taxes plus fees) in revenue? Let’s look at the numbers.
This graphic is the Donaldson’s original presentation of the data sourced from the Ohio Department of Education and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics as noted on the chart and in the list of references.
As shown in the included chart, both five-year forecasts start from a very high baseline expenditure level established in 2019 when operating expenditures increased 13% from the previous year.**That increase was the culmination of an accelerated spending trend that started in 2015, bringing the total four-year increase to 26%.By comparison, the cumulative inflation rate was only 7.7% during the same period.***This rapid expenditure increase quickly overtook the 23% annual revenue increase in the years following the 2014 levy.
Since median income tends to be tied, albeit loosely, to inflation, expenditure increases that exceed the inflation rate make our schools increasingly less affordable to taxpayers.
Furthermore, it is important to recognize that the spending cuts and fee increases included in the updated forecast are all relative to the previous forecast, which anticipated increasing expenditures by 4% annually.Since the Federal Reserve Board targets a 2% annual inflation rate, the plan was to increase spending by twice the rate of inflation.The updated forecast anticipates annual increases of 3%, which is still 50% above the target inflation rate.Since median income tends to be tied, albeit loosely, to inflation, expenditure increases that exceed the inflation rate make our schools increasingly less affordable to taxpayers.
As a more affordable alternative, we advocate limiting operating expenditures to 2015 levels on a per student basis, adjusted for inflation.As shown on the chart, this approach would result in spending much lower than the updated five-year forecast and, more importantly, lower than current projected revenue.It would thus obviate the need for any additional operating levy.It is worth noting that this would be consistent with, and a continuation of, expenditure trends from 2006 through 2015.
If a 2015 baseline seems too aggressive, the same approach using a 2018 baseline could be considered.Although it would require an additional levy, the levy vote could be postponed to November 2021 and would only need to be around 1 mill to maintain the same cash balance as in the updated forecast.
These particular cuts, chosen by the administration, raise some serious questions.
So, what would we cut?After all, in the same February 18th presentation we were told that we will have to eliminate teaching and staff positions even if we approve the levy in March.We have also been warned that failure to pass the levy in March will result in additional cuts, including staff, teachers and high school transportation.These particular cuts, chosen by the administration, raise some serious questions.If we could afford current staffing levels in 2018, why can we not afford them in 2021 with nearly 13% higher expenditures in the updated forecast?****Even if we choose to defeat the levy and limit expenditures to inflation-adjusted 2018 levels, why could we not continue to support essentially the same staff and transportation that we did in 2018?Where is the additional money going, and why has the administration chosen to cut staff and transportation?
Before we head to the polls in March, we need to have satisfactory answers to these questions that are quantitative, complete and transparent. We need to know whether the proposed budget and associated cuts are indicative of fiscally responsible management for the benefit of our children, or emotional manipulation designed to get the levy passed.Ultimately, it comes down to a question of trust.
Our youngest Loveland Tigers know these three words well. Here in Loveland schools, we care for each other.We respect each other. And we take responsibility for our words and actions.
The Loveland Board of Education strives to do our best to live up to the expectations our teachers and staff have for our students. We care about each and every member of our school community and demonstrate that with leadership and fiscal responsibility. That care means we regularly need to place tax levies on the ballot in order to ensure the operation of programs that our students need and deserve.
The way taxes work in Ohio means that a school board respects the right of our district citizens to vote on these levies. We need to show the necessity for new operating funds and do so with the publishing of budgets, expenditures, and five-year forecasts. We publish the evidence of the success of our students as well.
The last operating levy passed in 2014 was designed to move the district from a “stay put” mode of operation to a time of forward progress and was strongly supported by our community. Our teachers and students delivered significant achievements as a result of that change in direction and now we need to protect that investment and optimize that effort.
Acting responsibly means telling the truth and sometimes means that you cannot respond in kind when false, harmful accusations are made.
Acting responsibly means telling the truth and sometimes means that you cannot respond in kind when false, harmful accusations are made.But responsible public servants also stand up for what is true. There are many false statements being made about the March 2020 levy, about the Board of Education, and about the people who work with us and for us. The Loveland school district and this Board of Education are committed to optimizing resources, to extending the adequacy of 2020 levy funds as long as possible, and to continuing progress for Loveland students.
Please take the time to review the information on our website, lovelandschools.org under the levy tab.Take the time to talk to our board and our administrators.Attend a board meeting or an information session.Get the right information right now.
We know our community cares about our schools. We respect the right of our citizens to vote on March 17. Each of us has a great responsibility for the future of Loveland schools.
Kathryn Lorenz is the President of the Loveland Board of Education and lives in Miami Township
Loveland, Ohio – On February 4, the Loveland City Hall was filled with a crowd to witness and hopefully influence a vote for or against the building of an apartment complex at Loveland’s 102 Oak Street. As the meeting commenced, the public heard Rodney Sabo of Sabo Design Associates, describe the plans for the complex, budget, and method of parking and traffic.
The proposal the Planning and Zoning Commission was considering during the public hearing was to build four 16 unit apartment buildings on Oak Street in the Clermont County side of the City. “Oak Apartments” would have been four levels each with parking garages below each building. The proposal was for 106 total parking spaces with 1.6 parking spaces per unit. The lot is 1.033 acres.
Sabo Design submitted the application on behalf of their client, Hunt and Whitacre. To build the project the City would need to create a Special Planning District (SPD) which if approved would have erased the existing zoning restrictions and protections for the immediate neighborhood and create a separate zoning district with distinct restrictions, permissions, and guidelines.
The current zoning of the immediate neighborhood is Residential-Medium Density (R-MD). The existing R-MD zone does not permit high-density multiple-family uses.
Commission Chairman Al Kressler, Mark Redmond, Michael Kady, Brian O’Neill, and Tim Butler posed questions for the plan such as the possible rewards and pitfalls from the building of this complex before they each voted, “No”.
In opposition to the plan, the public bound together to declare and stand for the preservation of the land and current zoning, as each speaker presented individual points to support their cause. Many of the points included environmental damage, blockage of people’s home views, out-of-place aesthetics, lowering of the water pressure, and the promotion of in-and-out rental, not community bound estates.
The Commission heard both sides and decided with a 5-0 vote to not develop the land into an apartment complex.
The filled room disbanded in agreement around 9:10 PM.
Scroll down through this story to see a photo slideshow and watch post meeting interviews. You can watch the speeches during the open-forum, the proponent explaining the proposal, the staff report, and the questions P&Z had for the applicant.
Oak Street Apartments Interviews
Connie Crawford on Oak Street Apartment Proposal
Julie Fuson comments of Oak Street Apt. proposal
Neil Kluender wants his neighborhood protected
Becky Hasselbeck speaking about preventing more apartments
Steve DeFosset explains potential water supply problems if Apartments are built
Todd Osborne talks about proper use of SPD Zoning
Rocky Carpenter speaks up to preserve sanctity of his neighborhood
Mary Ann Bird discusses Oak Apartment proposal
Scott Lindgren talks about traffic conditions if Oak Street Apartments are built
Mark Krum talks about tearing down a home built in 1870s to built apartments
Cati O’Keefe lives immediately downhill from Oak Apartment and talked about how unstable the hillside is
Real Estate Agent Keli Williams’s take on Oak Apartment proposal
Tom Smith introduces staff report
Rodney Sabo with Sabo Design Associates explains his proposal for Oak Apartments
Loveland, Ohio – With Spring just around the corner, competitive races and obstacle courses will soon be in full swing! Although it may seem that your local 5k’s, 10k’s and tough mudders are, all the same, there is in fact, one race that will be taking place right along the Little Miami Bike Trail that is anything but ordinary! The Amazing Charity Race is not only taking Loveland by storm but has now officially been named the “Best Charitable Race” in Cincinnati, according to Cincy Magazine’s annual Best of the East competition!
For those who are unfamiliar with The Amazing Charity Race, the race itself was created in 2006 with a goal of giving 100 percent of its proceeds to charity! The ACR, which is set for Saturday, June 20th at 8 A.M. beginning at Fifty West Brewing Company, is a day full of fun challenges that venture along the Little Miami Bike Trail! This race is made to challenge contestant’s agility, balance, coordination, strength, intelligence, problem-solving skills, fine motor skills, and most importantly their sense of humor! This year teams of 2 can run, walk and ride through 20 strange, fun, and crazy challenges. But don’t worry you don’t have to be an extreme athlete to participate! All you have to have is the drive to challenge yourself and of course, be willing to push yourself for charity! Teens 13 to 16 can team up with a parent or teens 16 and up can team up with other teens over 16.
Jenny Lytle, Tom Grome and Kevin McMillian standing by ACR’s well thought out slide show and flyers at Cincy Magazine’s Best of the East event!
This year representatives from The Amazing Charity Race Board attended the Best of the East event on January 23rd hosted by Cincy Magazine at the Holiday Inn Suites on Eastgate Blvd. ACR’s committee put on quite a spread for the community at the Best of the East event, which included an excellent slide show and well thought out flyers. Kevin McMillian, Tom Grome, and Jenny Lytle pictured to the left represented ACR with pride at the prestigious event!
Shortly after Cincy Magazine’s annual event, ACR ‘s Board was informed that the ACR was selected by the Cincinnati community to be this year’s Best in the East “Best Charitable Race!” One of the ACR’s loyal board members, Tom Grome, was beyond the moon when he received the news!
“The Best of the East award is so important to the Amazing Charity Race,” Grome explained, “Receiving this award recognizes our effort to provide donations to other local charities and validates our approach to helping other local charities! We strive to make our event a positive experience for the racers and volunteers. Charitable giving has never been so much fun!,” Grome added.
Check out the crowd at Cincy Magazine’s Best of the East event at the Holiday Inn Eastgate!
Thus far The Amazing Charity Race is now in its 15th year and has already given over $700,000 to local charities including more than 50 nonprofit organizations in the following areas: Teen and Youth Programs (e.g., scouting, music, sports), Church Groups, Community Groups (e.g., food pantries, land conservation, theatre, arts) and Health-related Groups (e.g., cancer awareness and research, programs for the disabled).
Doug Portmann, co-founder and race director of the ACR, said the award meant so much to him “because of all the volunteer groups that put time and effort into making it such a great event! The community really appreciates it. If it was not for the almost 500 volunteers each year the event would not run like clockwork year in and year out,” Portmann added.
Kevin McMillian, the ACR’s marketing guru who represented the race at the Best of the East competition couldn’t agree more with Portmann!
“Being at the Best of the East was an amazing experience. Getting to experience other nonprofits and businesses at this event, was a great way to network and make new relationships to further impact the community,” McMillian explained, “As for winning one of the Best of the East awards, it was rewarding to see the impact Amazing Charity Race has on this community and makes us more motivated to put on a fun event and to continue helping charities that need it,” McMillian said.
Marjorie Blair, who is also on the ACR board, could barely contain her excitement when she found out ACR had one a Best of the East award!
“It’s an honor to work with so many different people with the common goal of giving back and seeing the positive impact on our local community. Through the years, putting on the race has become a well-oiled machine,” Blair said, “We are constantly learning and always trying to improve to keep racers, volunteers, & sponsors coming back. The combined effort for the greater good is truly appreciated.”
The Amazing Charity Race Board also includes Dustan Bray, Jenny Lytle, Terrie Puckett, Brian Garry, Scott Thompson, Michelle Ripperger, and ME, Cassie Mattia!
With this big win, ACR will be featured in Cincy Magazine’s Best of the East 2020 issue.
If you would like to join the best charity race in Cincinnati visit the race’s website at https://www.amazingcharityrace.com/ or follow the ACR’s Facebook page @LovelandsAmazingRace.
Loveland Magazine is extremely proud to be one of the many sponsors of the Amazing Charity Race!
Learn more about the Amazing Charity Race, how your group can volunteer, how you can be a corporate sponsor so even more money is raised, or to register for the 2020 race.
Jim Hooper lives in the Loveland High School neighborhood
Jim Hooper
Catchy common phrase. Heard it used a couple times at the LCSD Adhoc committee meetings. Thought I ‘d try it out to gain perspective on the LCSD Levy situation.
Whoa, it’s high up here!
I see Loveland as a whole, comprised mainly of ranch style homes, modest neighborhoods, occupied by homesteader types who have lived in Loveland for decades – more semi-rural/rural than urban. Look down on West Loveland Ave, Rich Road, Rte 48, The Heights, Lebanon Road, the Glen Lake neighborhood, out towards Grailville , all the smaller roads off these arteries and you will see Loveland. Pocketed among these byways are sub-divisions like Chatham Woods, Pheasant Hills on the Lake, Woodford, White Pillars.
I see the Loveland School system. Led by the Board of Ed and the LCSD Superintendent. The BOE members are elected officials which automatically makes them politicians, whether they see themselves that way or not. We all know how politics works – from the local constituency the politician seeks out his/her core bloc of voters, those voters who will deliver the necessary votes to successfully elect. These politicians (BOE) are beholden to this core bloc. The bloc group influences the Board by way of their backing.
So what influence does 2,447 bloc voters have on a School Board and Superintendent?
In the case of the LCSDBoard of Ed I think we can fairly safely establish the core bloc of voters is 2,447 persons. I am thinking anyone voting FOR a 16.78 mil levy is definitely a BOE core bloc voter. So what influence does 2,447 bloc voters have on a School Board and Superintendent?A LOT!Especially under the “normal circumstances” of a levy issue – off year voting, little interest by the silent majority who assume their financial
The “Board Whisperers”
interests are being conservatively managed – the 2,447 voter bloc, under these conditions, pretty much guarantees the election of their candidates.And, pretty much guarantees the Board of Ed will be very receptive listeners. These people are the Board influencers – the “Board Whisperers” – the people in the ear of the Board members. They are the localized version of lobbyists. And, many of them are inside the school system where their voice is amplified many times over. Their job circumstances are directly impacted by money the LCSD spends.
Now I’m listening, now I’m reading, now I’m researching, now I’m in it with both feet.
Now under normal conditions, I don’t really mind this influencing activity. The only time I would perk up my ears and take an outsized interest would be, let me think,perhaps when this influencing campaign produced an unheard of, unconscionable, state record 16.78mil levy. Now I’m listening, now I’m reading, now I’m researching, now I’m in it with both feet.
I have heard a lot about trajectory, vision, maintaining forward growth, maintaining gains. Hey, I’m all for it! I support 2-3% trajectory, 2-3% vision gains, 2-3% growth gains. I fully support increase in hard work, efficiency, increased productivity. I fully support the LCSD taking baby steps to move up the rankings ladder. Set a vision of moving up 5 steps at a time. Great! Let’s not set a vision to move from a Value-Added rank of 433 to 22. I applaud the excellent 22 ranking. I do not applaud the fact that a lot of taxpayer dollars went into buying that result!
You know, the Bengals could be in the Super Bowl – all it takes is spending$$$. You know, the Reds could be in the World Series, all it takes is spending $$$. You know, the LCSD could be better than Indian Hill and Sycamore – all it takes is spending $$$ – taxpayer money!
My opinion is that there are “silent agendas” in our schools that the silent majority know nothing about.
Returning to the LCSD/Superintendent vision for LCSD. Firstly, what is that vision? I know only one thing about it – it costs lots of money($$$). Sorry, I do know another thing, that 78% of voters do not know Dr. Crouse’s vision for LCSD. Although, I am beginning to get some hints – $6,365,528 spent on technology improvements. Is this a Dr. Crouse vision, to be the most technologically advanced school system in the area. A four year 69.1% spending increase in “Support for the Instructional Staff”. $5,717,737 spent with Hamilton County ESC over 5 years. My opinion is that there are “silent agendas” in our schools that the silent majority know nothing about. These silent agendas are driven by the “Board Whisperers” – backed up by their votes at election time.
The taxpayer asked for $20/month over and over doesn’t realize they are slowly being taxed to death.
Again let me say, I have no issue with school agendas moving forward at a conservative, sustainable, within a budget pace ( 2-3% a year). I do have a huge problem with the LCSD making quantum leaps bought with my tax dollars. Now I have heard it said, “it is only $20.27/month per $100,000 appraised home value. Let me use an old saying – the frog in a pot of cold water over low heat doesn’t realize it is being slowly boiled to death – and the taxpayer asked for $20/month over and over doesn’t realize they are slowly being taxed to death.
What is really beginning to bother me is the total lack of self-reflection by the 22%. Based upon all I have read on social media the attitude is that “nothing wrong here – nothing to see here”, we know what is right, you (78%) are uninformed, and get out of our way. I must interpret that to mean spending will continue unabated. Not exactly the response hoped for (or expected) after a 78% to 22% drubbing at the polls.
I also hoped the myriad of testimonials from “forever” Yes voters that had been pushed to the difficult position of voting No would have enlightened the minority to question maybe something does need to change.
A consequence of losing a vote by a landslide 78-22% and in so doing shattering a trust that had been working for decades is the “trust but verify” is now “verify, verify, verify”. All aspects of the LCSD are now under a microscope for review.
The child learns not to touch a hot stove once; it seems the adults must touch the hot stove twice before a lesson is learned.
I am a “Know Vote”!
Jim Hooper lives in the Loveland High School neighborhood
Loveland, Ohio – With the end of January quickly approaching Loveland is preparing for one of the city’s most celebrated holidays, Valentine’s Day! For those who haven’t experienced the magic of Valentine’s Day in Loveland, you may be wondering why it is one of the most celebrated holidays. Well, other than the city itself being called “Love-land” it is also referenced to as the “Sweetheart of Ohio,” and for a VERY good reason! This year two very special “Sweethearts,” Debbie Murray and Lilly Hummer, were selected to join the historic Loveland Valentine’s Program. Of course, Loveland Magazine wanted to pay tribute by providing our readers with some Loveland Valentine history and an exclusive on-camera interview with Debbie and Lilly!
This year two very special “Sweethearts,” Debbie Murray and Lilly Hummer, were selected to join the historic Loveland Valentine’s Program.
The Loveland Valentine’s Program began in 1972 and quickly became a nationally-known cachet stamping and postmark program. Once the program was up and running the community of Loveland decided to broaden the program’s horizons adding more fun and exciting ways to spread love throughout the city. This included the addition of two very prestigious competitions, the selection of Loveland’s annual Valentine Lady and Loveland’s Valentine Card Design Contest.
So what is a Valentine Lady? A Loveland Valentine Lady can be defined as “a woman who has distinguished themselves in the community, at local schools, and/or with family endeavors.” This lovely lady once selected is the ambassador for the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance’s Valentine program meaning she will spread both love and generosity by visiting area businesses, nursing homes, and schools. The Valentine Lady is chosen by the Loveland community and then picked by the LMR Chamber committee. In 1982 Loveland’s first Valentine Lady, Doris Pfiester was selected. Below is the list of Loveland’s past Valentine Ladies!
Debbie Murray was announced on December 12th at Loveland’s legendary spot, The Works, as the 34th Valentine Lady! Murray has resided in Loveland since 1985 and is a highly decorated woman in all that she does for the community. Loveland’s 2018 Valentine Lady, Kay Bolin, when asked about Debbie Murray being selected as the 2020 Valentine Lady, had nothing but kind words to say about Murray!
Debbie is indeed one of the nicest, most down to earth individuals you could ever meet.
“I met Debbie Murray in 2018 when I was at that year’s, Loveland Valentine Lady celebration. As we all know, part of the Valentine Lady’s responsibility is to go around to the local schools, which is when I met Debbie as she was a teacher at Tender Years,” Bolin explained, “I have been fortunate to spend more time with Debbie since she has been selected. CeeCee Collins asked me to read one of the many nomination letters that the chamber received nominating Debbie for the 2020 Valentine Lady at the recent Valentine Lady kickoff event. I was honored and felt so fortunate to share this nomination letter to the community. Debbie is indeed one of the nicest, most down to earth individuals you could ever meet and what she has contributed to the Loveland community is wonderful. Deb is the definition of love and kindness! I am looking forward to personally getting to know Debbie better as well as seeing her continued contribution to our community. Debbie, we welcome you to our Valentine Lady Sisterhood!,” Bolin said.
Lilly Hummer, a freshman Lacrosse player from Loveland High School, was recognized as Loveland’s Valentine’s Day card design winner.
Check out the video of Debbie Murray being surprised at The Works with her 2020 Valentine Lady honor!
I’m sure everyone can agree that Valentine’s Day wouldn’t be what it is without a great Valentine’s Day card! The LMR Chamber realized this during the early stages of the Valentine’s Day Program so they decided to incorporate a Valentine’s Day Card Design Contest! The design contest is open to anyone in the Loveland community and the only stipulations are that the artwork must reflect or incorporate the theme: “Love is…..” and must also include (or provide space for) the phrase, “There is nothing in this world so sweet as love.” Allowing anyone in the Loveland community to participate in the design contest makes the contest itself both creative and diverse! There have been many great design winner’s in the past, one of them being Loveland Magazine’s very own David Miller.
2020 marks one of the most creatively diverse card designs to date. Lilly Hummer, a freshman Lacrosse player from Loveland High School, was recognized as Loveland’s Valentine’s Day card design winner, on January 11th at the Valentine Kick-off at the Loveland Kroger’s.
Lilly Hummer, a freshman Lacrosse player from Loveland High School, was recognized as Loveland’s Valentine’s Day card design winner
Hummer will receive design credit on the back of the 2020 Valentine’s Day cards, local recognition, media recognition and two complimentary invitations to the Little Miami River Chamber Alliance Annual Valentine Breakfast on February 14, 2020. Click on the link to learn how you can join the community at the annual Valentine breakfast: http://business.lovelandchamber.org/events/details/2020-valentine-s-day-breakfast-event-6785.
Now that we have shared a little Loveland Valentine Program history and informally introduced the 2020 Valentine Lady and Valentine Card Design winner LOVELAND MAGAZINE TV would like to formally introduce to you, Mrs. Debbie Murray and Miss Lilly Hummer! Click below to view the exclusive on-camera interview with these two lovely ladies!
In January 2020, Social Security, federal and military retirees received a miserly 1.6 percent cost-of-living pension increase. In 11 years, our COLA reflects a cumulative increase of only 15.2%.
Rather than living with the financially harsh and punitive School Property Tax Levies Ohio residents have been subjected to for decades, retirees should be advised that in the State of Ohio there are two secondary income funding sources available to Ohio School Districts and voters.
I refer you to the Ohio Department of Taxation “Guide to Ohio’s School District Income Tax”. https://www.tax.ohio.gov/school_district_income.aspx
For retirees in the state of Ohio, there are two types of School District Income Taxes, one BAD, one GOOD.
The BAD Tax is a School District “traditional base tax”. The same tax retirees pay today to the state of Ohio. The BAD tax includes pension and retirement income. Today, approximately 144 Ohio School systems have implemented this voter approved tax. ORC 5748.021 allows a school district with a traditional base tax to go to the ballot to replace that tax with an earned income base tax.
The GOOD Tax is School District “earned income base tax”. On page 4 of the above mentioned Guide, it states that Earned Income Tax excludes such items as interest, dividends, capital gains and pensions. The City of Loveland utilizes this form of taxation on our retired pensions.
Today, approximately fifty-nine Ohio school systems have implemented this voter-approved tax. Earned Income taxes range from a low of one-quarter percent to a high of two percent.
Loveland voters should be aware that a school board can adopt only one School District Income base tax, not both. So earned income base tax is the solution for we retirees. ORC 5748.02 (E) prohibits a district from having school district income tax levies with both bases.
After the unsupported March 2020 Property Tax Levy is defeated, I would suggest the
Loveland City School District seriously consider, in their next proposed tax levy, a properly vetted and much lower combined school tax levy consisting of a property tax … AND … a earned income tax.
For the benefit of our many retired Loveland residents, the primary goal is to soften the financial impact on them every time our school district needs to acquire more funds to operate their many programs.
A secondary goal is to ensure the school district discusses in detail with our concerned and extremely knowledgeable residents and voters prior to the next tax levy being placed on the ballot.If a favorable response from the community is received then a combined lower property tax levy AND earned income base tax should be proposed.
Common sense indicates that Loveland School District would do well to garner residential voter endorsement, rather than opposition.
Walter D. Golladay is a resident of Loveland, Ohio
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By Cassie Mattia
over Ohio are wondering what’s next?
questions the Loveland community, small businesses, and school officials might have about the foreseeable future.
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by Walter D. Golladay
