Sycamore Community Schools voters approved Issue 8, a 6.95-mill combined property-tax levy, with 10,742 votes in favor (57.63%) and 7,898 against (42.37%), according to the Hamilton County Board of Elections’ unofficial report.
The 2,844-vote margin came with all 36 district precincts reporting. The county report was issued at 11:27 p.m. Nov. 3; results remain subject to certification.
Operating funds and permanent improvements
The district’s Nov. 4 statement confirms that the measure combines 5 mills for operating expenses with 1.95 mills for permanent improvements. It is the district’s first operating levy since 2016.
School officials said the funding would support educational programs, services and operations while addressing facilities and infrastructure. Superintendent Chad Lewis thanked voters and acknowledged the financial responsibility the approval places on the district. He pledged careful management of taxpayers’ money.
FOX19’s levy report puts the expected revenue at $17,993,971 and estimates the cost at about $243 a year per $100,000 of appraised property value, beginning in 2027. At that estimate, a $300,000 home would incur about $729 annually for the additional levy.
The district’s levy FAQ says the 2026 property-value update will affect bills collected in 2027. It expects tax-reduction factors to lower the effective millage, while an individual owner’s share depends on how that property’s value changes relative to others in the district.
Other districts face rejected measures
Sycamore’s approval contrasted with several nearby results. The county report shows voters rejected the North College Hill, Northwest Local and Southwest Local income-tax proposals, along with Winton Woods’ property-tax request.
Cincinnati Public Schools’ levy and Lakota Local Schools’ bond also passed, FOX19 reported. Those decisions involve separate districts and ballot measures; they do not change the levy approved by Sycamore voters.
