TORONTO - Toronto City Schools' Superintendent Fred Burns hopes voters in the Gem City will approve the 5-mill replacement levy that will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Burns stated the levy, which would generate approximately $430,000 annually for a period of five years, would take effect beginning in 2011.

Burns explained voters should understand the difference between a replacement levy and a renewal levy is that a renewal levy is a continuation of a current levy at the original millage based on original property values, whereas a replacement levy is for the same millage, but based on current property values.

"We have tried to do more with less, but we need this operating levy," Burns said.

The levy was first passed by voters in 1995, and approved again in 2000 and 2005, Burns said.

"It has been the same 5 mills every time," he noted. "The levy is totally for operational purposes."

He said the district has three goals: Adding new courses at the high school; maintaining the present school buildings and working to improve students' test scores.

Burns stated district voters age 65 and older, who own their home or still have a mortgage are eligible for the Homestead Exemption. This exemption will eliminate the tax on the first $25,000 of the property value, Burns cited, adding there is no income eligibility level.

This means a home-owner of a $50,000 house would pay an extra two cents a day or $6.56 a year. The total cost for the year would be $43.75, Burns said.

Those who don't qualify for the Homestead Exemption and who own a $50,000 home would pay an extra four cents a day, or $13.12 a year. The total for the year would be $87.50.

Burns has spoken to numerous city groups, clubs and churches about the levy. Anyone with questions should contact him at (740) 537-2456, extension 210.

(Ghrist can be contacted at jstenger@heraldstaronline.com.)