BEXLEY, Ohio (WCMH) -- Taxpayers are raising questions about Bexley schools' $6 million land acquisition as they consider their votes on a five-year school levy. Bexley City Schools has Issue 36 on the ballot, a five-year incremental levy that will bring in 5 mills in its first year and 2.5 mills each of the following four years. The district said the funding is needed to fund its operational expenses and continue to provide its services. Study: Ohio among worst states for children's online safety In an unrelated investment, the district purchased a 28.36-acre plot of land just north of the city limits for $6 million in September. The district said the land would allow the schools to expand its academic buildings and sports fields. District representatives said the two issues are unrelated, but both could affect future taxes. What are the funding differences? The levy is incremental, and the district said it will address operating costs and ensure it can continue to pay for staff salaries, school supplies and building maintenance. This funding goes to the general operating budget. In May, treasurer Kyle Smith said the district will be out of cash by fiscal year 2028 on the district's current trajectory. The district said funds from the incremental levy would not be used to fund development of the land. The land was purchased using funds from the 2016 permanent improvement levy. Permanent improvement funds cannot be used for salaries, general supplies or purchases that do not have an estimated life of five or more years. The purchase gave the district 75 days to reverse the contract for any reason if it decides not to continue with the investment. How the election is stoking anxiety In the spring, the land was bought by another entity for just $2.25 million, and the Franklin County Auditor values the land at $10.18 million, so the district thought the $6 million purchase was a good deal. “Finding this much land this close to Bexley, and at this price, was not something we could ignore," representatives said. Do these funding issues intersect? Currently, the two are separate issues that coincide in timing. However, district officials said developing the land will likely be included in future funding requests from taxpayers that would likely be considered in spring of 2025, so both issues could affect residents' taxes. "A future funding request related to our Facilities Plan is expected to be considered by the board of education in the spring of 2025 at the conclusion of our Facilities Planning process," Carol Taylor, Bexley's public information officer, said. "Whether or when a financial request is made related to facilities would be up to our Board of Education.” Ohio investigated for funding Christian schools The district is working with architects to develop possibilities for its current facilities but cannot confirm how much this would cost until a plan is selected. The district has projected it would cost $101 million to repair all current facilities and between $235-$304 million to replace all current facilities. These estimations did not include the new land as a factor. What will this cost taxpayers? The incremental levy would cost taxpayers more, and it would not be used to fund development. If the levy passes, taxpayers would have the following tax increases, per $100,000 of the Franklin County Auditor's appraised value of their property: 20255 mills$175 per $100K20262.5 mills$88 per $100K20272.5 mills$88 per $100K20282.5 mills$88 per $100K20292.5 mills$88 per $100K According to Zillow, the average home value in Bexley is $539,357, so the average taxpayer would owe $943.25 in 2025 and $474.32 each following year until 2029. Over five years, the average taxpayer would pay $2,840.53 under this levy. Funding requests to pay for facilities development would ask for additional funds, the cost of which would be determined at a later date. What if funding isn't granted? If Issue 36 fails in November, district representatives said budget cuts will begin next school year. Bexley would have to plan in spring to save at least $4 million in the budget, but district officials said cuts could be more than $7 million if needed. Whitehall police body camera footage shows fatal arrest of man with disabilities The district said around 75% of the budget goes to staffing costs, so the district could see cuts of 30-60 staff positions. According to the district, funding to develop the new property could also include private donations. If private or public funding was not secured, the school district said it could sell the land "as a last resort." The district has until Nov. 27 to remove itself from the land acquisition deal. Whether the land purchase remains or not, the district still plans to move forward with facilities updates, which representatives said will likely accompany a funding request. Even if the district decides not to move forward with any construction, it said it will still cost millions to keep the current buildings adequately functioning as they age. Safety at the Cassady Avenue property Funding aside, community members have voiced concerns about the safety of the new property, both environmentally and regarding crime. The property sits next to the Calgon Carbon Corporation, and district officials provided NBC4 with a summary of the land done by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, which is also available online. According to the Ohio EPA, the Calgon facility emits five pollutants and has the potential to emit possibly harmful compounds. However, the report said the facility has installed control equipment to reduce its emissions. The EPA also sets a maximum emission amount permitted for the facility and found its reported emissions are all less than half of what is permitted. Does Columbus owe backpay to retired firefighters? To transport students to the complex, the district said it will likely provide a shuttle service similar to one it provides for spring sports that practice at the Jewish Community Center. The school district said it considered land in Bexley but has not been able to find space large enough. "We were cognizant that any potential land purchase in the city would detract from our tax base because the schools are tax exempt," representatives added. The land sits at 935 N. Cassady Ave., outside of Bexley city limits. Some community members have voiced concerns online and at school board meetings about student safety at the new property. The district said student safety is its "top priority" and said it is considering options but has not released a plan for safety yet. The district has said it will confer with other entities, including Columbus School for Girls, which operates an athletic complex on the same street. The district also said it has met with the city to discuss using Bexley police to support safety at the complex. Community members interested in learning more are invited to attend facility planning community engagement sessions on Nov. 19 from 7-8:30 p.m. and Nov. 20 from 9-10:30 a.m. Both will be held at the Bexley Public Library.