Police renewal levy passes

by Dan Holland

Issue 9, a police renewal levy in Broadview Heights, was passed by voters during the Nov. 5 general election by a 59% approval margin. Unofficial results from the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections showed 2,016 in favor and 1,394 opposed.

The levy is an extension of a measure first adopted in 1964, originally a 0.75-mill levy that has been renewed every five years to provide funds for the payment of base salaries of permanent police personnel. It is estimated that the levy will generate approximately $468,000 annually.

Due to Ohio House Bill 920, a property tax reform bill passed in 1976 as a hedge against inflation causing an increase in voted taxes, passage of the levy will not increase taxes for residents. The effective millage, which was 0.56 mills last year, is reduced due to an increase in appraised residential property values in the city.

The tax renewal will cost residents $19.60 per $100,000 of property valuation.

“As a continuing levy, it will continue as is, with no tax increase for residents,” said Mayor Sam Alai. “It is important to pass this, as we have every five years, to continue the high level of service we receive from our dedicated safety forces.” ∞