Residents in Mellen are being asked by the school district to increase taxes by 50% in order to maintain local schools. TheAshlandDailyPress reports votes will be asked to increase the districts revenue limit by $500K each year over the next three school years. That translates to an increase of $246 on a home valued at $100K. The tax hike, if approved, would expire at the end of the 2026-27 school year. The additional revenue would go towards annual maintenance costs and recurring payments. If the voters say no, the school district will have to look at making reductions, which could include staff cuts. Superintendent Rhonda Friemoth says the need for the increase isnt because of past irresponsibility, but rather because of the state’s inadequate school funding formula and lack of funding for public schools.