Levy will continue funding police, fire and other service operations if passed

Members of the Kent city government are hoping that voters renew a tax levy at the ballots tomorrow.

The city is trying to get approval on a renewal levy that would continue to collect 1.16 mills for the next five years.

According to Barb Rissland, director of budget and finance for the city, the renewal levy would bring in $332,000 a year and would cover the general operating funds of the city. That includes police, fire and other service operations the city provides.

The property tax levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $2,778 a year.

The city tried to get a replacement levy passed in the November general election that would bring the city more money, but the voters rejected a tax increase.

The replacement levy would have brought in $80,000 more a year, said William Lillich, Kent ‘s interim city manager.

After the replacement levy failed, Kent City Council decided to put the levy up as a renewal.

Lillich said the levy would provide a consistent level of taxing that the city has been collecting for the past 10 years.

But he said while the city’s expenses have been going up, the revenue the city has been receiving has been steady.

“If revenues stay the same and expenses go up, then something has to give,” he said. “It’s going to be hard for us to give the same level of service that we have been giving in the past.”

— Joshua Hudson

Brimfield levy to maintain fire department’s operating costs

The Brimfield Fire Department is looking to pass a renewal 1.2-mill operating levy for fire and emergency medical services protection.

Tax dollars can be used for maintenance, repairs and fuel for vehicles as well as for additional equipment.

The levy will cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $28 per year.

—Mike Klesta

Issue 1 up for vote across the county

Portage County residents will decide whether to renew a .75-mill renewal levy that will otherwise expire. The tax dollars will be used for Portage County Children’s Services.

According to the Portage County Board of Elections’ Web site, Issue 1 tax dollars will be collected the next five years. The money will be used for clothing, counseling, transportation and child boarding costs.

The levy will cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $16 per year.

— Mike Klesta