Issue 2: Mentor Schools 1-Mill Renewal Levy

In the second of two levies on the May 7 ballot, residents in the Mentor Schools district will vote on a 1-mill renewal permanent improvement levy.

As it is a renewal, the levy would continue to cost the owner of a $100,000 home $15.68 per year if it is approved, Lake County Board of Elections Director Scott Dasher said.

The current permanent improvement levy generates about $1 million per year and expires at the end of this year. Because it is a permanent improvement levy, the district can only spend that money on improvements for grounds and equipment at the district's 15 buildings. Examples include parking lots, heating and roofing.

The levy was originally passed in 1988 and has been renewed four times since, according to Mentor Schools. 

The levy is one of three the district hopes to pass by the 2015-16 school year to avoid a $30 million deficit.