Erin Meyer, Daily Reporter

GREENFIELD — The Hancock County Council will let Eastern Hancock schools seek voter support for a tax increase.

The council voted Wednesday to certify the school district’s proposed referendum to appear on the May ballot.

EH officials are using the referendum to pose this question to voters: Are you willing to pay a modest increase in property taxes to help prevent budget shortfalls likely to impact education? 

   Like school districts around the state, EH has been asked to cut a significant portion of its spending for the current school year. 

   In response to the cuts, Superintendent Randy Harris has announced the elimination of 14 support staff positions, in addition to other cost-cutting measures. 

   But the district is still $200,000 short of its obligation to reduce spending in 2010, and budget shortfalls are expected to persist in 2011. If the referendum passes, Harris said, revenue created through it will help the school avoid more layoffs. 

   Following a straw survey that showed a majority of residents support the measure, the school board voted in January to pass a resolution for referendum.
 
   Under the terms of the resolution, the school would receive an additional $400,000 to pay for salaries, supplies and other expenses included in the general fund. The resolution also sets a sevenyear expiration date on the new tax. At the end of seven years or if the board votes to eliminate it, the additional tax will be removed. 

   According to the school’s projections, an additional levy of $400,000 would mean an extra $55 per year in property taxes on a $100,000 home.