There are not many local issues on the ballot in Summit County next month, but some voters will see income and property tax issues to support local schools, libraries and township operations.
The bulk of these issues are new money, meaning that if passed they will cost taxpayers more on future bills. Renewals for the Valley Fire District and Coventry Township operations will not cost taxpayers additional money to continue to fund those services.
The amount a homeowner will pay in property taxes is based on each levy’s millage rate, with 10 mills equal to a penny of a home’s assessed value.
Early voting is underway through May 3. Election day is Tuesday, May 5. Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
To find your polling location, visit the Summit County Board of Elections’ website.
Issue 1 — Barberton City Schools’ property tax levy
This is an additional tax levy to fund operating expenses at Barberton City Schools.
The proposed levy comes after the district made $6.6 million in budget reductions for the upcoming school year as part of a financial recovery plan submitted to the state.
The 11-mill property tax would raise about $5.9 million each year for the district and cost
the owner of a $100,000 home about $385 each year. This is a continuing levy and does not expire.
Issue 2 — Norton City Schools’ income tax levy
This is a proposed income tax to support operating expenses at Norton City Schools.
If passed, residents would pay an additional 0.75 percent earned income tax to fund Norton City Schools starting Jan. 1, 2027. If approved, it would increase the current earned income tax from 0.5 percent to 1.25 percent.
A resident who earns $100,000 per year would pay an additional $750 in income tax each year.
Taxed income would not include Social Security income, pensions or investment earnings.
Issue 3 — Tallmadge City Schools’ property tax levy
This is a proposed additional property tax levy to fund Tallmadge City Schools.
This 5.6-mill property tax would, if passed, generate about $3.6 million for the district, offsetting an upcoming $800,000 negative cash balance for fiscal year 2029.
It would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $196 per year, per the Summit County Board of Elections.
Issue 4 — Twinsburg City Schools’ income tax
This is a proposed earned income tax to fund operations at Twinsburg City Schools. It is the first time the district has sought an income tax rather than property tax to help fund its operations at the local level.
The issue comes after the district made about $2.2 million in reductions for the upcoming school year, according to a fact sheet about the earned income tax. Its most recent five-year forecast shows the district hitting a $2.1 million deficit in fiscal year 2029.
If passed, residents would pay an additional 1.25 percent tax on earned income – which excludes Social Security and retirement benefits.
Issue 5 – Cuyahoga Falls Library property tax
This is an additional property tax levy to fund Cuyahoga Falls Library operations.
The 2.2-mill property tax would raise about $2.4 million each year, according to the Summit County Board of Elections. It would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $77 per year for five years.
The proposed levy replaces a 1.9-mill levy that supports the library’s operations, including staffing and its collection of books, movies and other items available to cardholders. That levy was first passed in 2011 and expires at the end of this year.
Issue 6 – Valley Fire District renewal levy
This is a renewal levy to continue funding the Valley Fire District’s equipment and operational costs.
The five-year renewal of a 2.5-mill property tax levy generates about $136,500 each year and costs the owner of a $100,000 home about $75 per year. The Valley Fire District serves about 3,500 residents in Peninsula, Boston Township and Boston Heights.
Issue 7 – Valley Fire District additional tax levy
This is an additional tax to fund the Valley Fire District. If passed, the five-year, 1-mill property tax would generate about $61,600 each year to fund operations and equipment for fire and EMS service for residents in Peninsula, Boston Township and Boston Heights. It would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $35 per year in additional property taxes.
Issue 12 – Hudson Library and Historical Society renewal levy
A renewal and increase of a Hudson property tax to fund the city’s library and historical society.
If passed, taxpayers would continue to pay the original 2.9-mills, plus an additional 0.6-mills for a total of 3.5-mills. It would raise about $3.6 million each year, and cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $78 per year for five years.
Issue 14 – Coventry Township property tax renewal
This is a renewal of a 0.95-mill levy to fund general operations in Coventry Township. It generates about $275,500 each year and costs the owner of a $100,000 home about $23 per year for five years.
Issue 15 – Springfield Township fire, EMS additional tax
This is an additional 1.9-mill property tax levy to replace an expiring 2-mill levy to fund fire and EMS equipment and operations in Springfield Township.
It would generate about $786,000 each year and cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $67 per year.
Issue 16 – Twinsburg Township property tax levy
This is an additional 1.24-mill property tax levy to fund construction projects and street repair in Twinsburg Township. It generates about $302,700 each year and costs the owner of a $100,000 home about $43 per year.
Trustees cited cost increases and a phase-out of state reimbursements in the need for the levy, according to a news release, adding the additional revenue would lessen the burden on the Township’s general fund.
