Voter s Guide - Issues

Voter s Guide - Issues November 4, 2014 General Election League of Women Voters of Kent, League of Women Voters of Northern Portage County In most cases information on ballot issues was provided by the governmental body placing the issue on the ballot. 10/1/2014 Tax Issues Schools Page No. Ravenna City School District Issues 1 and 2 2 Streetsboro City School District Issues 3, and 4 2 Field Local School District Issues 4 and 6 2 Mogadore Local School District Issue 7 2 Rootstown Local School Distrct Issue 8 2 Springfield Local School District Isues 9, 10, 11 3 Windham Exempted Village Sch. Dist. Issue 12 3 Tax Issues Special Districts Community EMS District Issue 13 3 Freedom Twp., Garrettsville Village, Nelson Twp. Mantua-Shalersville Fire District Issue 14 3 Mantua Village, Mantua Twp. Shalersville Twp. Portage County Library District Issue 15 3 Voters in the following School Districts DO NOT vote on this levy: Kent, Ravenna, Stow, Tallmadge, West Branch, Springfield, Mogadore, Lake WVFD Joint Fire District Issue 16 3 Windham Village, Windham Twp. Tax Issues Portage County Children s Services Issue 17 3 Criminal Justice Services Issue 18 4 Issues Cities Ravenna Income Tax Increase Issue 19 4 Kent Renewal Levy Issue 20 4 Kent Charter Amendment Issue 21 4 Aurora Charter Amendments Issues 22-37 4, 5, 6 Local Option Streetsboro 1-C Issue 38 6 Issues Villages Brady Lake Renewal Levy Issue 39 6 Hiram Village Levies Issues 40 and 41 6 Mantua Village Additional Levy Issue 42 6 Sugar Bush Knolls Renewal & Increase Issue 43 7 Windham Village Additional Levies Issue 44 and 45 7 Issues Townships Atwater Renewal Levy Issue 46 7 Local Option Edinburg Twp. Prec. A Issue 47 7 Franklin Renewal Levy Issue 48 7 Hiram Twp. Replacement & Increase Issue 49 7 Local Option Mantua Twp. Prec. B Issue 50 7 Rootstown Renewal Levy Issue 51 7 Local Option Rootstown Twp. Prec. G Issue 52 8 Suffield Renewal Levy Issue 53 8

Issue 1: Ravenna City School District Additional Tax Levy Amount: 2.9 mills Additional tax levy that would generate approximately $899,000 annually for 5 years Explanation: The funds would be used for Building Improvement, School Safety and Security, and Technology. Issue 2: Ravenna City School District Additional Tax Levy Amount: 3.0 mills Additional tax levy that would generate approximately $930,000 annually for 5 years Explanation: The funds would be used Additional Academic Programming. Issue 3: Streetsboro City School District Renewal Tax Levy Amount: 3.5 mills Renewal tax levy that would generate approximately $1.4 million annually for 5 years Issue 4: Streetsboro City School District Renewal Tax Levy Amount: 3.9 mills Renewal tax levy that would generate approximately $1.7 million annually for 5 years Explanation for Issues 3 and 4: Revenue generated from both Issue 3 and Issue 4 will continue to be used for general operating expenses. Those expenses include, but are not limited to textbooks, educational software, maintenance supplies, technology supplies and equipment, utilities, transportation, and contractual obligations. Issue 5: Field Local School District Renewal Tax Levy for current expenses Amount: 7.3 mills Renewal tax levy that would generate approximately $2.6 million annually for 5 years Explanation: This issue has been an important part of funding the day to day operations of Field since 1991. This levy is critical to the fiscal operations and stability of our district. This is a five year renewal. Issue 6: Field Local School District Additional Tax Levy for general permanent improvements Amount: 1.0 mill Additional tax levy that would generate approximately $371,000 annually for a continuing period of time. Explanation: This money can only be used for upkeep and improvements for our district. This money cannot be used for salaries. All money must be used for physical items with a life span of five years or more. This is a continuing levy. Issue 7: Mogadore Local School District Additional Tax Levy for current expenses Amount: 5.9 mills Additional tax levy that would generate approximately $493,000 annually for a continuing period of time. Explanation: The proceeds will be used for normal operating costs. The Mogadore Local Schools was heavily dependent on the personal property tax and with the elimination of this tax it has become impossible to maintain operations, without an alternative funding source. The district has lost $1.4 million on this revenue stream alone. Issue 8: Rootstown Local School District Renewal Tax Levy Amount: 5.58 mills Renewal tax levy that would generate approximately $965,000 annually for 5 years Explanation: The money generated from this renewal levy will continue to pay for the general operations of the district including classroom supplies, implementations of Ohio s New Learning Standards, utilities, fuel, transportation, special education costs, extra-curricular programs, to pay for unfunded mandates established by the state and federal legislatures, and personnel costs so the district can continue to provide a quality education for students to become life-long learners. 2

Issue 9: Springfield Local School District Renewal Tax Levy (Suffield Twp. E/2) Amount: 2.58 mills Renewal tax levy for 5 years Issue 10: Springfield Local School District RenewalTax Levy (Suffield Twp. E/2) Amount: 4.43 mills Renewal tax levy for 5 years Issue 11: Springfield Local School District Renewal Tax Levy (Suffield Twp. E/2) Amount: 7.0 mills Renewal tax levy for 5 years Explanation for Issues 9, 10 & 11: The three renewals will generate approximately $4.2 million annually. The monies will be spent on normal operating expenses. These three renewals are critical in maintaining the services currently provided. Issue 12: Windham Exempted Village School District Renewal Tax Levy Amount: 6.76 mills Renewal tax levy that would generate approximately $339,000 annually for 5 years Explanation: The money will be used for general operating expenses of the district, including maintenance and transportation supplies and repairs, building upkeep, utilities, diesel fuel, property and fleet insurance and salt. Issue 13: Community EMS District Renewal Tax Levy Amount: 2.7 mills Renewal tax levy that would generate approximately $401,000 annually for 5 years Explanation: The funds generated by Issue 13 will be used to provide and maintain emergency apparatus, appliances, buildings, supplies, and materials, and also for the payment of full and part-time emergency medical personnel for the Community EMS District which covers the Village of Garrettsville, Freedom Township and Nelson Township. Issue 14: Mantua-Shalersville Fire District Renewal Tax Levy Amount: 2.25 mills Renewal tax levy that would generate approximately $407,000 annually for 5 years Explanation: The funds would be used for personnel and operating costs associated with running and maintaining a fire department. Costs include staffing, equipment and apparatus maintenance and repair. The levy is a renewal and WILL NOT increase your taxes Issue 15: Portage County Library District Additional Tax Levy Amount: 1.0 mill Additional tax levy that would generate approximately $2.4 million annually for 10 years Explanation: Portage County District Library is entirely dependent on state funding, now at 1996 funding levels. The levy is needed to add hours, services, and materials at branches in Aurora, Garrettsville, Randolph, Streetsboro and Windham, and to offer some form of local service in the other Portage County school districts. Issue 16: WVFD Joint Fire District Renewal Tax Levy Amount: 4.0 mills Renewal tax levy that would generate approximately annually $182,000 for 5 years Explanation: The money will be used for the purpose of providing fire protection and emergency medical services to the Village of Windham and Windham Township. Issue 17: Portage County (Children's Services) Renewal Tax Levy Amount: 0.75 mill Renewal tax levy that would generate approximately $1.7 million annually for 5 years Explanation: The money will be used for the purpose of providing funds for children s services for the care, placement and treatment of abused, neglected and dependent children. 3

Issue 18: Portage County Additional Tax Levy for criminal justice services Amount: 0.5 mill Additional tax levy that would generate approximately $1.6 million annually for 2 years Explanation: The money will be used for the purpose of the support of criminal justice services including jail improvements. According to ORC 307.45, a property tax levied for criminal justice services shall be used for financial support of any of the following (1) the county sheriff or the police department of a municipal corporation or township in the county; (2) the court of common pleas, any municipal court having jurisdiction throughout the county, or any county court; (3) the county prosecuting attorney, any municipal attorney in the county, and any public defender agency or appointed counsel; (4) any county or municipal jail or other detention facility as defined in section 2921.01 of the Revised Code; (5) the clerk of the court of common pleas, any clerk of a municipal court having jurisdiction throughout the county, or the clerk of any county court (with some exceptions); (6) the county coroner; (7) any other public agency or private, nonprofit agency, the purposes of which in the county include the diversion, adjudication, detention, or rehabilitation of criminals or juvenile offenders. Issue 19: City of Ravenna Income Tax Increase Amount: 0.25% Income tax increase that would generate approximately $937,500 the first year commencing January 1, 2015. Explanation: The monies generated by the levy will be used exclusively for costs associated with City Streets. The tax will provide funding for reconstructing, paving, widening, grading, draining, and maintaining streets. The tax is also designated to be used for sidewalks, curbs, signalization, infrastructure, and expenses related to roadway improvements and maintenance. Issue 20: City of Kent Renewal Tax Levy Amount: 1.16 mills Renewal tax levy that would generate approximately $314,000 annually for 5 years Explanation: The City of Kent relies on funds from this Renewal Levy to support its basic staffing, operations and maintenance of non-utility public services. This includes POLICE, FIRE, and STREET services. Approval of this Renewal Levy will not increase a homeowner s property tax bill. Issue 21: City of Kent Charter Amendment New Article 1 Section 4 Community Bill of Rights. Explanation: The charter amendment was placed on the ballot by initiative petition. The amendment would add Section 4 et seq. to Article I, Incorporation; Form of Government; Powers, under the heading titled Community Bill of Rights. Proponents of the proposed amendment argue that: The proposed charter amendment secures fundamental rights for the community and natural environment by establishing a Community Bill of Rights including the following rights: local self-government, potable water, clean air, a healthy environment, peaceful enjoyment of home, freedom from chemical trespass, a sustainable energy future, and the right of ecosystems and natural communities to exist and flourish. Opponents of the proposed amendment argue that: 1. The proposed, Charter Amendment, the Community Bill of Rights, is an over-reaching, poorly drafted attempt to change State and Federal laws at the local level. 2. In reality, it mandates pure air, untainted water. Enforcement will shut down Kent. 3. The battle should be fought at State and Federal levels. Issue 22: City of Aurora Charter Amendment Explanation: Amend Section 3.03--Vacancies. The amendment to this section eliminates the requirement for a potentially costly special election when a vacancy occurs. If a City Council vacancy occurs before the expiration of two years of that Council member s term, a successor would be elected at the next regular municipal general election instead of at a special election. 4

Issue 23: City of Aurora Charter Amendment Explanation: Amend Section 3.11--Legislative Procedure. The amendment to this section adds the city website as a required location for posting of documents required to be published by Ohio law. The amendment further requires legislation that is passed as an emergency measure to be posted for 15 days after passage by City Council. Issue 24: City of Aurora Charter Amendment Explanation: Amend Section 3.12 Annual Appropriations Considerations. The amendment to this section changes the date Council shall adopt its annual appropriations ordinance from February 15 to February 28. Issue 25: City of Aurora Charter Amendment Explanation: Amend Section 3.15 Boards and Commissions. The amendment to this section adds language to parallel other provisions of the Charter and to encourage collaboration between the Mayor and Council to establish, approve, abolish or combine departments, divisions, boards and commissions. There is also a grammatical change in the first paragraph. Issue 26: City of Aurora Charter Amendment Explanation: Amend Section 3.16 President of Council. The amendment to this section removes language for any cause, including absence or inaccessibility or disability as it relates to the President of Council being Acting Mayor during the period when the Mayor is unable to perform his/her duties. Issue 27: City of Aurora Charter Amendment Explanation: Amend Section 4:05A Appointment and Removal of Department Directors and Division Heads. The amendment to this section adds language to allow the Mayor to appoint interim department directors or division heads for a period of up to 90 days without the requirement of Council confirmation. Issue 28: City of Aurora Charter Amendment Explanation: Amend Section 4.08 Mayor Elect. The amendment to this section allows the Mayor to appoint department and/or division heads whose terms are effective upon the Mayor taking office and adds language clarifying that division heads are employees whose terms may not be renewed. Issue 29: City of Aurora Charter Amendment Explanation: Amend Section 6.02 Contracts and Purchasing. The amendment to this section authorizes the Mayor or designee to make purchases and enter into contracts on behalf of the city involving expenditures of not more than $25,000.00. The amendment further increases the threshold for formal bid requirements from $10,000.00 to $25,000.00. Issue 30: City of Aurora Charter Amendment Explanation: Amend Section 7.01 Director Duties. The amendment to this section adds language clarifying that the Law Director is the legal advisor for the Mayor as well as for City Council. Issue 31: City of Aurora Charter Amendment Explanation: New Article XI Division of Planning, Zoning and Building. The amendment is a new Article adding two new sections. Section 11.01 states that the Director shall be the head of the division. Section 11.02 details the organization and overall responsibilities of the Planning, Zoning & Building Division. Issue 32: City of Aurora Charter Amendment Explanation: Amend Section 13.02 Organization. The amendment to this section adds language changing the Clerk of the Planning Commission from being the Clerk or Deputy Clerk of Council to being appointed by the Mayor, since Planning Commission is a City committee, not a Council committee. There is also a grammatical change in the second paragraph. 5

Issue 33: City of Aurora Charter Amendment Explanation: Amend Section 13.04 Mandatory Referral to Planning Commission; Electorate Approval. The amendment to this section changes the requirement of the vote needed by Council to change a recommendation from the Planning Commission from more than two-thirds vote to a two-thirds vote to parallel other supermajority votes required by the Charter. Issue 34: City of Aurora Charter Amendment Explanation: Amend Section 14.03 Master Plan Contents. The amendment to this section adds language that the Master Plan shall contain measures to promote connectivity including sidewalks, crosswalks, trails and bike lanes. There is also a grammatical change to the first paragraph and Landmark has been added to clarify Historic and Landmark areas of the city. Issue 35: City of Aurora Charter Amendment Explanation: Amend Section 14.05 Master Plan Review by City Council. The amendment to this section changes the review period by Council of the Master Plan Review Recommendations from the Planning Commission from three months to four months. Issue 36: City of Aurora Charter Amendment Explanation: Amend Section 17.03 Recall. The amendment to this section removes the entire last paragraph which is duplicate language. Issue 37: City of Aurora Charter Amendment Explanation: Amend Section 4.07 Vacancies. The amendment to this section eliminates the requirement for a potentially costly special election when a vacancy occurs. If the office of the Mayor becomes vacant before the expiration of two years of that term, a successor would be elected at the next regular municipal general election instead of at a special election. Issue 38: Streetsboro City Ward 1 Precinct C Local Option Sunday sale Placed on the ballot by dba Chuggers Bar & Grille LLC, an applicant for a D-6 liquor permit. The passage of this issue for Chuggers Bar & Grille, a restaurant/bar & grill located at 9244 Market Square Drive, Streetsboro, OH 44241, would permit the sale of spirituous liquor and mixed drinks on Sunday between the hours of twelve p.m. and twelve a.m. Issue 39: Brady Lake Village Renewal Tax Levy for parks and recreation Amount: 4 mills Renewal tax levy that would generate approximately $20,000 annually for 5 years Explanation: The money would be used for the purpose of parks and recreation. Issue 40: Hiram Village Renewal Tax Levy for EMS Amount: 2 mills Renewal tax levy that would generate approximately $17,000 annually for 5 years Issue 41: Hiram Village Additional Tax Levy for fire protection Amount: 3 mills Additional tax levy that would generate approximately $27,000 annually for a continuing period of time. Explanation: Passage of Issues 40 and 41 will provide 5 mills total for Fire and EMS Protection. The residents of both Hiram Village and Hiram Township will pay 5 mills if the levies for the Village and Township are approved. The fire department currently staffs 2 firefighters/emt s from 9 am to 11 pm and only 1 firefighter/emt from 11 pm to 9 am. The increase in levies will be used to have 2 firefighters/emt s on duty 24/7 and ready to assist the community. Issue 42: Mantua Village Additional Tax Levy for road and bridge construction and repair Amount: 3.85 mills Additional tax levy that would generate approximately $75,000 annually for 5 years Explanation: The funds will go directly to improve the aging roadways throughout our community. The funds will only be used to repair streets, roads, and bridges within the village, and will be tracked by the Clerk s office in a separate fund. Revenues will not be used for salaries or equipment purchases. 6

Issue 43: Sugar Bush Knolls Renewal and Increase Tax Levy Amount: 8 mills--renewal of 5 mills and Increase of 3 mills tax levy that would generate approximately $62,000 annually for 5 years Explanation: The money would be used for the purpose of current expenses. Issue 44: Windham Village Additional Tax Levy for public library Amount: 0.83 mill Additional tax levy that would generate approximately $15,000 annually for 5 years Explanation: The money would be used for the purpose of support of a public library. Issue 45: Windham Village Additional Tax Levy for parks and recreation Amount: 1.38 mills Additional tax levy that would generate approximately $25,000 annually for 5 years Explanation: The money would be used for the purpose of support of parks and recreational services. Issue 46: Atwater Township Renewal Tax Levy for fire protection and EMS Amount: 2.25 mills Renewal tax levy that would generate approximately $113,000 annually for 5 years Explanation: The money would be used for the purpose of providing fire protection and emergency medical services. Issue 47: Edinburg Township Precinct A Local Option Sunday sale Placed on the ballot by Certified Oil Corp. dba Certified #410, a holder of a C1 liquor permit. The passage of this issue for Certified #410, a full-service retail convenience store located at 4224 SR 14, Edinburg Twp., Ravenna, OH 44266, would permit the sale of beer on Sunday between the hours of eleven a.m. and midnight. Issue 48: Franklin Township Renewal Tax Levy for fire protection and EMS Amount: 3.42 mills Renewal tax levy that would generate approximately $376,000 annually for 5 years Explanation: This money is used directly for fire and emergency protection services for township residents and businesses. These services are contracted with and provided by the City of Kent. Issue 49: Hiram Township Replacement and Increase Tax Levy for EMS Amount: 3.0 mills--replacement of 2 mills and Increase of 1 mill tax levy that would generate approximately $189,000 annually for 5 years Explanation: Hiram Township currently has a 2 mill Fire levy that is not up for renewal at this time. Passage of Issue 49 will provide 5 mills total (2 from current levy + 3 from Issue 49 levy) for Fire and EMS Protection. The residents of both Hiram Village and Hiram Township will pay 5 mills if the levies for the Village and Township are approved. The fire department currently staffs 2 firefighters/emt s from 9 am to 11 pm and only 1 firefighter/emt from 11 pm to 9 am. The increase in levies will be used to have 2 firefighters/emt s on duty 24/7 and ready to assist the community. Issue 50: Mantua Township Precinct B Local Option Sunday sale Placed on the ballot by Haylett Corp. dba Haylett & Sons Corner Store/Hayletts BP, an applicant for a D-6 liquor permit. The passage of this issue for Haylett & Sons Corner Store, a grocery store located at 4699 SR 82, 1 st floor only, Mantua (Mantua Twp.) OH 44255, would permit the sale of wine and mixed beverages on Sunday between the hours of ten a.m. and midnight. Issue 51: Rootstown Township Renewal Tax Levy for fire protection and EMS Amount: 1.3 mills Renewal tax levy that would generate approximately $175,000 annually for 5 years Explanation: The money would be used for the purpose of providing fire protection and emergency medical services. 7

Issue 52: Rootstown Township Precinct G Local Option Sunday sale Placed on the ballot by Dusty Armadillo, Inc., an applicant for a D-6 liquor permit. The passage of this issue for Dusty Armadillo, Inc., a bar/restaurant/venue located at 3147 SR 44 & Patios, Rootstown (Rootstown Twp.), OH 44272, would permit the sale of wine and mixed beverages and spirituous liquor on Sunday between the hours of eleven a.m. and midnight. Issue 53: Suffield Township Renewal Tax Levy for road and bridge construction and repair Amount: 1.0 mill Renewal tax levy that would generate approximately $138,000 annually for 5 years Explanation: The money will be used for general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, repair and maintenance of roads and payment of permanent and part-time road department employees. 8