(HAMILTON) – Hamilton Community Schools District voters will cast ballots May 6 on whether or not to extend a referendum to operate the schools.

Back in November 2019, voters said Yes to a referendum that would impose a tax of up to 44 cents. At that time the referendum was said to be a necessity to make sure the schools would stay open

The School District is looking to extend that referendum for eight more years at the maximum amount of 44 cents.

Hamilton Superintendent Dr. William Reichhart says that while the operating referendum is capped at 44 cents, the current District budget was approved at 39 cents. The School District’s tax rate is 71 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. That includes the referendum rate.

The 44 cents would generate just over $2.9 million.

Currently approximately 63% of the funds raised by the current referendum, or just over $1.5 million, goes towards salaries and benefits. $894,000 may cover the costs of Impact career and technology programs, school supplies, maintenance and for capital projects.

The current referendum for Hamilton Schools runs until 2027. If it’s approved on May 6, the extension would go into effect January 1, 2026.