AMHERST, Ohio — Amherst Exempted Village School District failed to secure critical operating revenue Tuesday when voters rejected a five-year, 1.5% earned income tax levy, extending a 13-year stretch without new funding.

Issue 16 failed as 62.33% of voters rejected the levy, with 2,618 votes in favor and 4,331 votes against, according to unofficial results from the Lorain County Board of Elections. The levy would have generated about $10 million annually for daily operations.

The rejection marks a major financial challenge for the district that has stretched its resources for more than a decade. Amherst’s cash reserves have fallen from $21.7 million in fiscal year 2022 to $13.9 million today, and district forecasts show annual deficits could reach $7 million to $8 million by 2027.

With

See Full Page