Trustees approve tax rates, set public hearing

by Laura Bednar

Aug. 10 township trustees meeting

Sagamore Hills trustees accepted the amounts and rates of tax levies for the township’s budget, starting Jan. 1, 2027, which were certified by the Summit County Budget Commission.

The township’s total estimated available resources for the fiscal year starting Jan. 1, 2027, are $18.7 million. Tax levies that include both inside and outside millage (voted and unvoted) total 12.1 mills. These taxes are for the following funds: general, road improvements, police protection, fire and EMS, and road and bridge.

Public hearing

A public hearing will be held Sept. 14 at 6:45 p.m., immediately preceding the next regular trustees meeting. The hearing is for added language to the township zoning code regarding accessory buildings in planned unit developments.

Safety service updates

Trustee David DePasquale said Police Chief David Hayes and the Macedonia police chief said the dispatch system requires upgrades. The upgrades would cost Sagamore Hills an extra $5,286 per year in their contract with Macedonia.

Macedonia police are purchasing licenses for Live911, a system that livestreams 911 calls directly to first responders in real time. It also has GPS capabilities to see the caller’s precise location, which DePasquale said would be beneficial in the event of a dangerous incident at Rushwood Elementary. If Sagamore police purchased a license, it would cost $900 per year.

DePasquale said Macedonia Fire Chief Brian Ripley stated the former Elmcroft Senior Living building on W. Aurora Road is close to reopening as another senior living facility. Ripley told DePasquale he must find out if it is assisted living or independent living, as this will determine if the fire department needs to provide lift assistance to residents.

Purchases

Trustees approved the following purchases:

  • $285,234 for third-quarter dues to Macedonia for Fire/EMS and police dispatch services
  • $163,508 to Barbicas Construction for the Summit County road resurfacing program
  • $40,227 to Melway Paving for the Summit County road resurfacing program