Editor’s note: In advance of the upcoming election, the Sidney Daily News will publish a question each week that will provide readeres with information about the levy in support of Sidney City Schools that will be on the ballot. Questions and answers are provided by Sidney City Schools.

How is the money generated from the 9.23 mill emergency levy used?

The 9.23 mill emergency property tax levy, if renewed, will continue to support the operational expenses of the district such as supplies, materials, repairs, staffing needs, and capital improvements. It will allow us to maintain the academic programs we currently have and keep the effort on academic improvement moving forward.

There are factors that may positively or negatively affect the revenue and expenditures in our district. Depending on how each of these factors change will affect the overall financial picture of the district. Projections are based on past experience and factual available information.

Factors affecting budget projections:

• Residential growth in the district, or lack thereof

• Commercial and industrial growth in the community

• State and federal budget changes

• Economic changes

• Student enrollment and open enrollment

• Collective bargaining

• Health insurance rates

• Unfunded state-mandated programs

• Technology needs

• Rising fuel costs

• Capital improvement needs

• Student services and special education needs (more one-on-one aides, John Peterson Autism Scholarship, etc)

Major reasons for the lack of future growth in revenue include the lack of growth in state aid and minimal economic development in the community.