What issues will Summit County voters decide at the polls on May 6?
On May 6, Summit County voters will go to the polls to decide on an array of issues.
From school levies to library funding, and even a state constitutional amendment, county residents will have no shortage of decisions to make.
Early voting is underway, and will continue to until May 4.
Here's an overview of key issues to be decided. For a full list of the issues appearing on ballots, click here, or visit the Summit County Board of Elections website here: https://www.boe.ohio.gov/summit/ and click on "60 Day Issue Synopsis."
Issue 2 asks voters statewide to renew a constitutional amendment, first passed in 1987, that funds critical infrastructure improvements in local communities through the State Capital Improvements Program (SCIP).
If approved, Issue 2 will authorize the state legislature to issue a maximum of $2.5 billion in general obligation funds over 10 years, capping the total allowable issuance at $250 million per fiscal year.
The measure won't enable looting the public's coffers to pay for a new Browns stadium. The text of the ballot issue states, "Capital improvement projects would be limited to roads and bridges, waste water treatment systems, water supply systems, solid waste disposal systems, storm water and sanitary collection, storage, and treatment facilities."
According to a fact sheet from the Ohio Public Works Commission passing the measure won't result in higher taxes, as SCIP bonds are paid off with existing state revenue.
Check out the fact sheet here.
The Springfield Local District is seeking two emergency tax levy renewals.
The first would renew a five year, 2.74-mill tax to collect $84 for each $100,00 of property valuation.
The second is a five year, 7-mill tax to collect $113 for each $100,000 of valuation.
Among other school levies:
The Nordonia Hills City School District seeks an additional 5-mill levy that would collect $7.3 million annually or $175 for each $100,000 of appraised property value.
Twinsburg City School District voters will weigh $97 million bond issue to be repaid annually over a minimum of 36 years as well as 3.84-mill property tax to pay for the bonds, amounting to $135 for each $100,000 of appraised property value.
The Manchester Local School District is asking voters to renew two levies. The first would raise $275,000 over five years to pay for the district's emergency needs at an average rate of 0.81 mills, or $25 for each $100,000 of appraised property value. The second is an 8.5-mill tax to raise $1.8 million annually for five years; the tax would cost homeowners $152 annually for each $100,000 of appraised property value.
The Mogadore Local School District, seeking to avoid an operating deficit of $840,000, is asking voters to pass a tax that averages 5.93 mills or $208 annually for each $100,000 of appraised property value.
Voters living in communities served by the Akron-Summit County Public Library system will decide whether to issue $160 million in bonds to acquire sites and build and upgrade facilities. The amount will be repaid annually over a maximum 20 year period.
The measure contains a property tax levy that would amount to $35 for each $100,000 of appraised value beginning in 2025 and first due in 2026.
The library system's service area includes the Ccty of Akron and all of Summit County except for Barberton, Cuyahoga Falls, Hudson, Peninsula, Stow-Munroe Falls, and Twinsburg, which are served by independent libraries.
Barberton voters will be asked to renew a five-year, 1.95 mill tax for Barberton Public Library. The tax amounts to $39 for each $100,000 of appraised property value.
Springfield Township voters will weigh a partial replacement for three existing fire department levies that would reduce the the total amount collected by 0.125 mills.
The county fiscal officer estimates it will cost $223 for each $100,000 of appraised property value.
Sagamore Hills Township has a 6-mill police levy on its ballot that would collect $2.8 million annually, or $210 for each $100,000 of appraised property value.
In Lakemore, village residents are being asked to approve a 4.75-mill tax would raise $417,000 annually for the fire department, or $166 yearly for each $100,000 of the appraised property value.
Contact reporter Derek Kreider at DKreider@Gannett.com or 330-541-9413.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Levies, library funding and more on May 6 ballot in Summit County
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