Rio Grande Community College seeking replacement levy on Nov. 7 ballot

RIO GRANDE, Ohio – Rio Grande Community College has announced that it will have a replacement levy issue on the ballot for the November 7, 2017 election. This is the first levy the school has had on the ballot in 43 years.

“This levy comes at a critical time for the residents Rio serves,” said Dr. Michelle Johnston, president of the University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College. “Rio helps the area economy by giving local students access to a high-quality education at an affordable price. This levy will help us continue to provide students with the resources they need to succeed. With locations in Gallia, Jackson, Meigs and Vinton counties, Rio is critical for our communities.”

The levy was established in 1974 to support Rio Grande Community College. Over the past 43 years, Rio has used local support to directly impact the quality of its academic programs and to support its commitment to an affordable educational option for citizens in the region. The replacement levy will continue to support Rio Grande Community College.

The replacement levy is a tax that is based on current property evaluations. If the levy passes, a homeowner owning property worth $100,000 will pay an additional $2.39 per month.

“We have worked hard over the past 43 years to use community tax dollars responsibly. And we will continue to do so,” said Dr. Johnston. “We have been able to better serve residents of Meigs, Jackson and Vinton counties by establishing local locations. This levy will allow us to stay in those locations.”

Levy dollars will be used to sustain critical educational programs that serve regional and community needs, focusing on preparing today and tomorrow’s workforce.

“Rio is a critical part of the four-county area,” said Paul Reed, Chairman of the Rio Grande Community College Board. “Not only does Rio provide students with an affordable education, our school also helps support the local economy. 80% of our full-time employees live in the four-county area. Rio helps our community keep local talent, local.”

The college has more information regarding the levy at their website, www.rio.edu.