A Licking County judge ruled Reynoldsburg schools must wait to connect water and sewer pipes for schools that might remain empty anyway.

Judge Thomas Marcelain granted a temporary injunction, preventing the district from connecting the water lines to the city rather than the Southwest Licking Water and Sewer District.

After a levy defeat on Tuesday, Reynoldsburg school officials say they will have to trim $17 million dollars from their budget.

The new schools on Summit Road in Etna Township could remain empty as officials decide what cuts will be made.