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Norton City Council Approves Fire Levy on November Ballot
Norton, OH — In a pivotal decision during the July 7 meeting, the Norton City Council has approved the submission of a fire levy for the upcoming November 4 General Election ballot. The council voted to present a five-year, 5.6-mill renewal along with a proposed 3-mill increase, effectively raising the total cost to homeowners. Specifically, homeowners with properties appraised at $100,000 will see an annual cost increase of $257 under this new levy.
Impact of Legislative Changes on Local Funding
In an additional legislative concern, the council also unanimously passed a resolution opposing Ohio House Bill 335. If enacted, this bill would strip local governments, excluding townships and schools, of their ability to collect up to 10 mills of taxes without voter approval. Council Vice President Don Harbert warned that Norton could face a substantial financial shortfall of approximately $750,000 if the bill passes. This revenue is critical as it supports both the General Fund and the Police Pension Fund.
Addressing Community Issues and Local Projects
Moreover, the council faced a unique issue concerning the Veterans Memorial's entry monument. The names of several officials were incorrectly placed on the front of the monument, raising concerns among citizens who felt it was a bid for self-promotion. In response to community feedback, Administrative Officer Dennis Loughry assured that the names would be relocated for greater appropriateness. This temporary fix will serve until a more permanent solution is identified.
A Bright Spot: Successful Summer Concert Series
In lighter news, Mayor Mike Zita shared that the opening concert of Norton’s Summer Concert Series received good attendance, demonstrating community engagement despite high summer temperatures. This positive turnout underscores the town’s ongoing commitment to fostering community connections through public events.
The Norton City Council will hold its next meeting on July 21 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers, located at the Safety Administration Building, 4060 Columbia Woods Drive.
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