Bellefontaine City Schools has formally expressed its concern regarding property tax abatements in the city.
BCS Superintendent Brad Hall, BCS Treasurer Josh Wasson, and BCS Board President Colin Yoder sent a letter to the Bellefontaine City Council this week explaining how the abatements have stimulated growth, but also created concerns for the financial future of the district.
The letter dated September 18, 2025, reads as follows:
Dear Members of the Bellefontaine City Council,
On behalf of the Bellefontaine City School District Board of Education, we write to express our concern regarding the continued extension of Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) property tax abatements to future housing developments in our city. While we recognize and appreciate the role that these abatements have played in stimulating growth and revitalization, we believe it is time to reevaluate their ongoing use and impact—particularly as it relates to the long-term financial health of our school district and the broader community.
There is no denying that the City of Bellefontaine has experienced a period of positive transformation. CRA tax abatements have been instrumental in encouraging new residential development, supporting neighborhood improvement, and drawing new families to the area. These incentives have helped lay a foundation for the economic growth and momentum we enjoy today.
However, the financial reality for our district tells another side of the story. Each new housing development approved under a CRA abatement generates little to no property tax revenue for the school district for up to 12 years, despite the fact that these homes often bring new students into our classrooms and increase the demand for educational services. This mismatch between increased enrollment and stagnant revenue places a growing strain on our ability to sustain the quality of education our community expects and deserves.
As a public school district, we are largely funded through local property taxes. The continued use of tax abatements erodes our revenue base and threatens our capacity to fund essential operations, retain high-quality staff, and maintain the facilities and programming necessary for student success. Over time, the cumulative impact of these abatements may require us to seek additional levies from voters—effectively shifting the financial burden from developers to existing residents.
We believe Bellefontaine has reached a point in its growth where development can continue without the need for ongoing abatements. The original intent of the CRA program—to catalyze reinvestment in underdeveloped or declining areas—has largely been fulfilled. Now is the time to transition to a model that ensures all new developments contribute fairly to the infrastructure and institutions that make our city thrive.
We respectfully urge the City Council to discontinue the practice of granting CRA tax abatements for future residential developments and to work in collaboration with the school district to develop a more balanced approach to community growth—one that sustains both economic development and educational excellence.
Thank you for your attention and for your continued partnership in serving the Bellefontaine community.
Sincerely,
Colin Yoder
President, Bellefontaine City School District Board of EducationBrad Hall
Superintendent, Bellefontaine City School DistrictJoshua Wasson
Treasurer, Bellefontaine City School District
The next Bellefontaine City Council meeting will be on Tuesday, September 23rd, at 7:30 PM.
