Township Corner

by Don Laubacher

Although the constitutional amendment to abolish property tax will not appear on this November’s ballot, it can resurface because the signature-gathering process can continue. There are nine townships in Summit County. Below is a comparison of their effective tax rates on assessed property values in mills.

Ten mills equals 1%.

Township Effective Millage Rate

Springfield 19.33

Coventry 19.18

Copley 17.29

Bath 14.69

Northfield Center 13.92

Sagamore Hills 13.54

Twinsburg 13.46

Richfield 11.22

Boston 7.29

While each township has its own population, miles of roads and unique challenges, we are proud to provide excellent police and fire protection, road, trash and zoning services, and more at an efficient, effective tax rate. We understand the frustration with rising property taxes, but abolishing them is not the answer.

The Ohio Public Works Commission offers grants and low-interest loans for road and stormwater projects. Our relatively high median household income hurts our metrics for OPWC capital improvements and local transportation programs. To do all we can to be successful, we have hired a consultant and are more hopeful about success with the OPWC’s enhanced small government program for communities of fewer than 5,000.

Thanks to the residents who attended our public input session on June 18, to Dwayne Gentner for his leadership, and to our zoning commission for their work on our property nuisance policy, which is in its final stages.

Contact me at d.laubacher@richfield-twp.org or at the township office on the last Friday of each month between 9 and 11 a.m.