November ballot includes two school levies, city and school board races

by Laura Bednar

The Independence Local School District will have two separate levies on the Nov. 7 ballot.

Issue 9 is a renewal of the current emergency operating levy passed in 2011. This 8.19-mill levy will generate $4.2 million per year for the district. Taxpayers will pay $286 for each $100,000 of appraised property value. The levy would commence in 2024 with collections in 2025.

Issue 10 is a new 3.85-mill emergency operating levy, which would generate $2 million per year for the district. Taxpayers would pay $135 for each $100,000 of appraised property value. This levy would commence in 2023 with first collections in 2024.

Both levies would be in place for 10 years. The term “emergency levy” means the levies are a fixed sum and will produce the same amount for the district throughout their life.

Two seats are open on the Independence Board of Education with current board members Joanie Mencl and Andrea Marek seeking re-election against newcomers Anthony Avila, Katie Day Hill, Mathew Urie and Mike Zubic. Board members serve four-year terms.

All seven seats on the Independence city council are open with eight candidates vying for the positions. John DiGeronimo, Tom Narduzzi, Anthony Togliatti, Jim Trakas, Dale Veverka, and Chris Walchanowicz are running for re-election and face newcomers Kevin Day and John Scheckel. The elected candidates serve a two-year term.

Greg Kurtz is running unopposed for re-election as mayor of Independence. The term is four years.

Vern Blaze is running for re-election as Independence finance director against Chris Zamborsky. Finance director is a full-time position and the elected candidate serves a four-year term. ∞