Open Letter to Superintendent Billy Smith, Treasurer Jay Phillips, and the Fairfield City Schools Ohio Board of Education

Dear Superintendent Smith, Treasurer Phillips, and Board Members,

I’m Jason Purviance, resident and taxpayer in the Fairfield City School District, and the Libertarian candidate for Ohio State Representative in District 47. Like many of us here, I work hard every day, pay my taxes, and want the best possible education for our kids.

Let me start by saying thank you to our teachers, staff, and administrators for the great work they do with nearly 10,000 students. A strong education is crucial in giving our children solid skills in reading, math, science, and critical thinking sets them up for success and builds a better future for all of us. I’m fully committed to that goal.

That said, I’m deeply concerned about the proposed permanent 1.25% earned income tax announced on January 10, 2026. After voters rejected the property levy in March 2024, shifting to a permanent tax on our paychecks feels like too big a step without more proof of efficiency and alternatives. I understand the challenges you have laid out. I appreciate the school district hosting the events in December discussing this issue and the time you both spent with me at both events answering my questions. However, hardworking families deserve clear answers and better options first.

Here are my main concerns:

Lack of Full Transparency-

I’ve requested a detailed, line-by-line budget showing exactly where current funds go and why this extra revenue is truly needed. We’ve gotten some responses, but not the complete picture. When asking for more of our money, full openness builds trust and helps spot any waste.

Permanent Tax Removes Accountability-

Unlike the more common property levies in Ohio (which require periodic renewal votes), this earned income tax is rare and would be permanent. Once approved, it’s locked in forever—no future voter checks if things change or efficiencies improve.

Alternatives Haven’t Been Fully Explored-

I suggested ideas like stronger business partnerships, more grants, community donations, or trimming operational waste, but there was no real follow-up. Why go straight to a permanent tax on earnings when other paths might ease the burden on families?

We’re Already Over-Taxed-Between property taxes, sales taxes, and rising costs for groceries, housing, and everything else, many of us are stretched thin. Now this direct hit on earned income?

Unlimited Revenue Growth Without Voter Oversight-

Property levies often see effective rates reduced over time by state rules. An earned income tax has no such limits. Revenue can grow indefinitely with wage increases, more residents, or economic changes, without ever coming back to voters for renewal or adjustment. This opens the door to unchecked spending growth long-term.

Before moving forward with this permanent tax, I respectfully ask the district to:

Release a complete, public budget breakdown for everyone to review.

Audit and cut non-essential programs that aren’t core to classroom learning, while right-sizing operations where possible.

Pursue every non-tax revenue option and demonstrate maximum efficiency.

Commit to real, ongoing transparency and accountability.

I want excellent schools as much as anyone. It must be done through responsible management of resources, not endless tax increases. Voters deserve to see that every dollar is used wisely.

I’d welcome a response or the chance to discuss this further. I encourage residents to attend upcoming board meetings and ask tough questions. Let’s prioritize our kids and our families without adding unnecessary permanent burdens.

Thank you for your time and dedication.

Sincerely,

Jason Purviance

Libertarian Candidate for Ohio State Representative, District 47

Email: [email protected]

X: @jasonP4liberty

Facebook: Jason Purviance for State Representative