Wadsworth school income tax increase rejected by voters

WADSWORTH — Wadsworth City Schools officials will have to revisit the district's finances and consider additional budget cuts after voters rejected a proposed income tax increase Tuesday. According to unofficial results from the Medina County Board of Elections, 7,457 voters, or 56.85 percent, voted against the measure, while 5,661 voters, or 43.15 percent, supported it. The measure failed by 1,796 votes. The proposal would have established an additional 1 percent income tax for five years, beginning Jan. 1, 2027, to fund the district's current operating expenses. Superintendent Andrew Hill expressed disappointment following the results, saying the board had been hopeful that changes made in recent months would help gain voter support. "Disappointed, the board was hopeful with the changes that were made," Hill said. Hill said the board will have to revisit the district's finances and determine what additional cuts can be made. The district has already implemented more than $4 million in budget reductions and fee increases as it works to address its financial challenges. In September, the district also sought community feedback on the possibility of closing an elementary school as officials considered additional ways to reduce expenses. The failed measure leaves the district facing further decisions about how to address its financial needs without the additional revenue. The Board of Education is scheduled to hold a special meeting on Thursday. The meeting was scheduled before Tuesday's election and includes discussion of goals for the 2026-27 school year. It was not immediately clear whether the board plans to discuss the levy results or additional budget reductions during Thursday's meeting. Contact Brooke Adams at 440-822-8373 or badams@medina-gazette.com.