Three-mill renewal levy expected to appear on November ballot

by Dan Holland

Members of Broadview Heights City Council at a May 26 meeting approved a resolution declaring the necessity of the renewal of a 3-mill tax levy for the purpose of providing funds for current expenses in the city.

The levy, which was originally approved by voters in 1971, has been reapproved every five years as a renewal levy. The current effective millage of .32 equates to $11.20 per $100,000 of property valuation.

“It is a general fund levy, which means money will go into the general fund for general operating expenses,” explained Finance Director David Pfaff. “However, since we have had surplus in the general fund the past several years, a portion of the surpluses have been used to fund or supplement projects such as the recreation courts, the new fire station and the annual road program.”

“We’ve renewed it every five years since 1971 – 11 times over 55 years,” added City Council President Robert Boldt. “It’s different in that it funds both residential and agricultural in the city. … One thing to note for residents is that no matter what your house value is, passage of the levy does not increase your taxes, as it’s a flat rate. Because it’s a set amount, the city cannot collect any more than mandated.”