The Union County Chamber of Commerce Board of Trustees voted Wednesday night to support the 5-year, 5-mill replacement levy and the 5-year, 4-mill new operating levy proposed by the Marysville Exempted Village School District in the Nov. 4 election.

The chamber board of trustees encourages residents of the district to support the ballot issues.

"The purpose of both levies is to provide daily operating funds for education, safety and security improvements, textbook and educational material purchases," according to a press release from the chamber.

"The chamber board recognizes that the Marysville Exempted Village School District Board of Education recently cut more than $4.4-million in order to balance its budget," the release stated. "Chamber business leaders spent a great deal of time reviewing the school funding and expenditures to be fully aware of the detail. In addition, the board recognizes if the levies do not pass, additional major cuts in the school district's budget will be necessary including reduction of staff and program expenses which could result in higher classroom size, reduced opportunities for students and a lower credit rating ultimately costing the residents of the school districts.

"Finally, the trustees realize that if the levies are not successful, it is likely we will witness the school district property values decrease negatively impacting business growth and development in Union County."

Representatives of the district and local business leaders have been meeting to develop a better relationship and to improve communication among and between the schools, businesses and community.

"It is imperative that we pass the levy to ensure our future leaders receive the best education possible," said David Thorbahn, president of the Union County Chamber of Commerce.