The campaign for the Delaware City School District's fall ballot issue wants to get across one simple message to residents: "No new taxes."

The campaign for the Delaware City School District's fall ballot issue wants to get across one simple message to residents: "No new taxes."

In 1989, voters approved a 3-mill, five-year permanent-improvement levy. Generated funds must be used for maintenance and capital-improvement purchases such as buses and computers, as opposed to employee salaries.

The levy has been renewed four times, with the latest renewal in 2009. District voters will decide on a fifth renewal attempt Nov. 4.

The annual cost to homeowners would continue to be about $86 per $100,000 in property value.

The levy generates around $2 million annually, but as more homes are built and property values change, the amount paid per household will continue to go down, district leaders said.

"This is a relatively straightforward message," said Superintendent Paul Craft. "This money does not go toward salaries or fringe benefits, but is money that we need to keep our district moving."

Although the district has not compiled an official list of cuts that would need to be made if the levy fails, Craft said the list would include the elimination of at least 24-30 district positions.

"The needs we have for buses and facilities maintenance will not go away," he said. "These are needs we have every year and we would have to make cuts and redirect funds to make up for the lack of what this levy supplies."

Early voting has thrown a wrench into the campaign's canvassing plans, Craft said, as 20 percent of voters have applied to cast their votes before Election Day.

"We have requested information for those who have applied to vote early so we can get them campaign information in time for them to cast their ballots," he said.

Craft said since the levy won't raise taxes, he doesn't expect any organized opposition, but the possibility of failure is always there.

"This is always a worry for us," he said. "Over 90 percent of straight renewals pass, and those that don't pass usually means there is a trust issue.

"We strive to earn the trust of our taxpayers every day, and we never take lightly the support we receive from the community."

Craft said the campaign formally will release levy information this week, with a mailing and distribution of yard signs.