ELECTION DAY IS MAY 4 v
2021 PRIMARY
ELECTIONGUIDE Your guide to be informed on local issues and candidates
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Tuesday, April 27, 2021
PRIMARY 2021
The Chronicle-Telegram
CANDIDATES Elyria City Council, page 3 The Democratic incumbent is being challenged in the 5th Ward: l LeighAnn Arroyo l Diane Simmons
Lorain City Council, page 3 Four Republicans are vying for three at-large seats: l Lynne Christner l Brian Jameson l Otis Jenkins l Jeremy Leighty
North Ridgeville City Council, page 4 Six Republicans are vying for three at-large seats: l Steve Ali l Georgia Awig l Martin DeVries l Christina Doran l Jason Jacobs l Jim Maleski
Vermilion mayor Editor’s note: Due to unforseen circumstances, the Vermilion mayoral race story will appear in the daily paper later this week.
ISSUES l Issue 1: Avon Lake, 2-mill renewal levy for ambulance and EMS, page 6 l Issue 2: Lorain, 1.7-mill renewal levy for fire department, page 6 l Issue 3-4: Oberlin, 1.2-mill renewal levy for current expenses and 3-mill levy for collection and disposal of garbage, page 7 l Issue 5: Oberlin, 3.25-mill renewal levy for current expenses of public library, page 7 l Issue 6: Sheffield Lake, 2.95-mill renewal levy for current expenses of Domonkas Branch Library, page 8 l Issues 7-9: Sheffield Lake, three amendments to the city charter, page 8 l Issue 10: Amherst Township, 1-mill renewal levy for streets, roads and bridges, page 9 l Issue 11: Brighton Township, 1-mill renewal levy for road improvement, page 9 l Issues 12-13: Camden Township, 2-mill renewal levy for fire and EMS, and 1.5-mill renewal levy for road improvement and two renewals, page 9 l Issues 14: Columbia Township, 1.3-mill renewal and increase levy for road improvements, page 5 l Issues 15-18: Sheffield Township, 2.25-mill renewal levy for fire and EMS, 2.5-mill renewal levy for EMS,0.35-mill renewal levy for current expenses, 3-mill additional levy for fire and EMS, page 10 l Issue 19: Avon Lake, 2.8-mill renewal levy for current expenses of Avon Lake Public Library, page 11 l Issue 20: Central Lorain County Ambulance District, 1.15-mill renewal levy for ambulance and EMS, page 10 l Issue 21: Lorain and Sheffield Township, 2.86-mill renewal levy for emergency requirements of Clearview Schools, page 12 l Issue 22: Lorain, 5.95-mill renewal levy for current expenses of Lorain Public Library, page 11 l Issue 23: South Lorain County Ambulance District, 3.25-renewal levy for ambulance and EMS, page 12
PRIMARY 2021
The Chronicle-Telegram
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
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ELYRIA CITY COUNCIL
5th Ward sees only contested primary Only one Elyria City Council member faces a primary opponent this May. Democratic incumbent Diane Simmons will face off against Democrat LeighAnn Arroyo in the 5th Ward. Simmons was appointed to her seat by Democratic Council members in July 2020. She took the place of former Democratic Councilman Marcus Madison, who represented the 5th Ward for about 10 years. This is Arroyo’s third time running for the 5th Ward seat. She first ran in 2017 as a write-in candidate, then again in the 2019 primary as a Democrat. Both times she lost to Madison in a landslide. This is Simmons’ first time running for City Council. The winner of the May 4 election will move on to November facing no Republican opponents. Independents are not certified for the ballot until May 20.
What makes you the best candidate for the position? Arroyo: I am the right person for this job because I follow through with complaints, issues and concerns in my ward. I’m answering emails, Facebook messages and phone calls. I’m in regular contact with city officials to get issues addressed. No matter how hard the tasks get, I will always fight my best to get results. I’m detail oriented; I’m communicative with residents. I’m dedicated and committed to this job. I won’t be a yes per-
LeighAnn Arroyo, 36 Party: Democrat Education: Huron High School, class of 2004 Family: Husband, Eugene Sr., and two daughters, Clara and Sandra Job history: Former food hostess at Cedar Point in Sandusky; former newspaper carrier for The Sandusky Register in Sandusky; freelance photographer; Elyria city community activist; freelance donation drive coordinator. Website: facebook.com/LeighAnnArroyoFor5thWardCouncil
Diane Simmons, 61 Party: Democrat Education: Elyria West High School, class of 1977 Family: Husband, Landry Simmons Sr. Blended family of four sons and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren Job history: Currently employed at R.W. Beckett Corporation in North Ridgeville for the last 16 1/2 years. Previously worked retail at Lerner New York as a sales associate and manager for 10 years. Website: facebook.com/Simmons4ward5
son all the time. If I have questions about legislation, I will speak up and ask. I won’t make promises to the residents I know I may not be able to keep. Simmons: My passion is to make the 5th Ward the best place for its residents. This passion has led me to become involved with community groups like Clean Up Elyria, which is creating a cleaner environment essential for healthy living. I will continue
to build these kinds of relationships with community groups and help connect 5th Ward residents to be a part of the change we all want to see. My willingness to learn and collaborate with local organizations, the mayor’s office and residents of the 5th Ward makes me the best candidate to be the 5th Ward City Council person.
What is the biggest challenge facing the city and how would you address it? Arroyo: There are many issues facing not only the 5th Ward, but the whole city. Trash is one of them. I would like to see more youth in the community getting involved to pick up trash. I would talk with local youth group leaders to set up trash pickup days throughout the community. I would talk to the middle and high school teachers to see about giving kids extra credit in classes they may be struggling in by picking up trash. Another challenge is streets. I would work with the Elyria engineer to get more streets repaired and paved. I would look into grant money to help with this. Simmons: The revitalization of downtown is one of the biggest challenges we face as a city. With the pandemic forcing small business owners to reduce hours or shut down completely, it’s important that we find ways to help our downtown businesses flourish. As the 5th Ward City Council person, I will work to ensure the strong link between City Council, the current administration and business owners continues to exist, so that we may stay together, and each do our part in assisting our city to thrive. This will continue to be done by identifying our individual skills and bringing them together. — Laina Yost
LORAIN CITY COUNCIL
Four Republicans vie for three at-large slots For voters in the city of Lorain, only one race is contested this primary election. There are four Republicans running for City Council at-large: Lynne Christner, Brian Jameson, Otis Jenkins and Jeremy Leighty. Registered Republicans in the city will choose three to advance to the general election in November. Those three will face three incumbent Democrats this fall: Tony Dimacchia, Mitchell Fallis and Mary Springowski.
What makes you the best candidate for the position? Christner: I believe the time is ripe for a change in Lorain, and I can be that change. I am honest, hardworking, have many fresh ideas, and will give the citizens the voice they deserve. Jameson: I am the best candidate for this position because of my extensive experience working with people. In the military you are
transferred into a new command every three to four years and are expected to be able to work with new people while accomplishing the mission. There are men and women from all races, backgrounds and beliefs, which is no different than what we have in Lorain. I believe I have the ability to work with all regardless of the political differences we may have. I will listen to and fight for all citizens; that is in fact who Council works for. Jenkins: I am honest and trustworthy and
believe in the trust. Leighty: To answer a question about why am I best seems incredibly self-serving, which is in stark contrast to serving the needs of Lorain residents. Every candidate seeking election has strengths and weaknesses which will be determined by voters who best aligns with the voters views and opinions. See LORAIN, 5
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Tuesday, April 27, 2021
PRIMARY 2021
The Chronicle-Telegram
NORTH RIDGEVILLE CITY COUNCIL
Six Republicans vie for at-large seats Six Republicans are facing off for the opportunity to seek three City Councilat-large seats. Incumbent Council members Martin DeVries, Jason Jacobs and Jim Maleski will compete for votes along with candidates Steve Ali, Georgia Awig and Christina Doran. The top three Republican vote-getters May 4 will face two Democratic candidates — Paul Wolanski and John Kevin McNulty — for the at-large Council seats in the November general election. There is no contested Democratic primary in the race because only two Democrats are running.
What makes you the best candidate for the position? Ali: What makes me the best candidate is the overall knowledge and unparalleled experience that I have in so many different fields: running heavy equipment for 11 years at the steel mill, owning a Sunoco gas station with a threebay repair facility for 11 years and then building my life-long dream at Xtreme Performance, the state-of-the art, 14-bay facility that I still currently own and operate. Having this business knowledge I believe is priceless and will help me face what most communities see as big challenges: balance the budget and be resourceful helping other small businesses be successful. North Ridgeville is a great community and continues to grow every year. Let’s make it inviting. Awig: Experience working for large companies as well as being an entrepreneur. Living and working in the city of North Ridgeville. Board member of the Chamber of Commerce and Community Care. Member of Heart and Sole and Visitors Bureau. Member of Lorain County Fair Housing Board. Member of Lorain County Health Department Medical Reserve Corps. DeVries: Two things that qualify me for this position are my passion for our community and my experience. As you can see from my profile above, I have been very involved with our community at many different levels. Also, in my professional career, it has developed my leadership skills, budget analysis, as well as my ability to connect with business owners. Doran: I am a very level-headed, detail-oriented person. I will ask questions to ensure what is being presented to, voted on, and passed by City Council is in fact what is best for our city. I will also be sure to include all members of Council in communications and listen to all their comments and concerns. Jacobs: I grew up in North Ridgeville and have always lived and worked here in my hometown. I’ve had a very active role in our community for many years: as a member of our City Council, Planning Commission, Tax Abatement Review Board, Chamber of Commerce Board, Senior Center Advisory Board and more. I’m also an active member of St. Peter Church. My lifelong residency, education, work experience, and community involvement provide me with a unique perspective of the needs of our city. I look forward to the continued opportunity to utilize the skills and knowledge I’ve gained over the years to further give back to our great city. Maleski: In February 2020, I was honored to fill the seat left open by the election of Mayor Kevin Corcoran. Soon thereafter, the world as we know it changed. City Council came together to make sure the services our residents expect would be preserved. Teamwork is what the residents of North Ridgeville will get from their City Councilman if I am elected. I do not come to meetings with a personal agenda or grandstand for the public. I have and will continue to work for the residents of North Ridgeville. My dedication to the residents and their concerns drives me to ensure our city will be the shining beacon that other cities will model after. See N. RIDGEVILLE, 5
Steve Ali, 52 Party: Republican Education: Ohio Technical College Family: Married for 27 years to Tina; three children — Stevie (24), Carmella (17), Carina (17) Job history: LTV Steel Mill as an operating engineer (11 years); self-employed — owner of Lorain-Clague Sunoco / North Olmsted (11 years); self-employed — owner of Xtreme Performance / North Ridgeville (12 yearspresent)
Georgia Awig, 70 Party: Republican Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Kent State University, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator Family: Married to Don for 46 years, son Brian and daughterin-law Sharon, daughter Michelle and son-in-law Ben; 10 grandchildren Job history: Registered nurse at local hospitals, long term care facilities and home healthcare agencies; nursing instructor at M.B. Johnson School of Nursing and Lorain County Community College; sales director, Mary Kay Cosmetics Website: voteawig.com; facebook.com/ voteawig
Martin DeVries, 49 Party: Republican Education: Graduated from North Ridgeville High School in 1990 and attended Heidelberg University. In 2012 was inducted into the N.R. Alumni Hall of Fame. Family: Married to wife Stephanie, with three daughters Job history: Currently a regional manager at First Federal of Lakewood with over 25 years of banking experience; previously business development officer at another financial institution and worked closely with local small business owners; current or past member of North Ridgeville Chamber of Commerce, Board of Zoning and Appeals, Charter Review Committee, North Ridgeville Rotary Club; has served on board of directors of West Side Business Network, West Side Synergy, and Northern Ohio Easter Seals Web site: campaign email mdevriesforcouncil@gmail.com
Christina Doran, 33 Party: Republican Education: Earned associate’s degree in finance and associate’s degree in real estate.
Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Family: Husband Mike, children Michael, Brooklyn, Beau, Tristan, and Madison Job history: Financial Supervisor, The Sherwin Williams Paint Co. Website: Facebook — Christina Doran for NR Council At-Large
Jason Jacobs, 40 Party: Republican Education: Bachelor of business administration (management) - Kent State University through the LCCC University Partnership Program, 2003; master of business administration (healthcare administration) - Cleveland State University, 2006; licensed nursing home administrator, 2006 - present Family: Wife Veronica, married for almost 11 years, five children Job history: Employed with O’Neill Healthcare North Ridgeville for over 25 years, began as a part-time dishwasher while a sophomore in high school and now helps oversee day-to-day operations on all six O’Neill Healthcare senior care campuses; at-large Councilman with the City of North Ridgeville since January and will have a full year of experience on City Council by the time the next term begins in January 2022 Website: votejasonjacobs.com
Jim Maleski, 43 Party: Republican Education: Master’s degree in special education from the University of Ashland, bachelor of arts in education from Cleveland State University Family: Wife Kimberly, married almost 17 years. Two girls, Madison and Makinley Job history: Huron school district as a seventh grade World History teacher; special education in the Huron school district; Life Skills Center of Lake Erie, a city of Cleveland charter school, with at-risk youth Website: jimmaleski.com; facebook.com/ JimMaleskiNRCC
The Chronicle-Telegram
PRIMARY 2021
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
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COLUMBIA TOWNSHIP
Growing township seeks more money to maintain roads ISSUE 14 What it is: 1.3-mill renewal and increase levy Duration: five years How much it would raise: $319,894 annually Purpose: road improvements Cost to homeowner/taxpayer: The owner of a $100,000 home would pay $37.28 annually.
LORAIN From 3
What is the biggest challenge facing the city and how would you address it? Christner: There are many issues challenging Lorain. They all roll back into Lorain city pride. We need to attract jobs so our youth will stay and raise families. Broadway is wonderful, but needs to grow with business — retail and restaurants, maybe an ethnic theme since we are the International City. We need to use our lakefront and attract people here for fishing, lighthouse tours, Black River tours, downtown shopping, eating, attending concerts, and staying at the Ariel on Broadway hotel. Council needs to work with the Port Authority and the Chamber of Commerce to attract clean industry. Growth in these areas will bring in jobs, tax revenue and growth. Jameson: The biggest challenge facing Lorain today is the lack of trust and accountability citizens have with current elected officials. Citizens voted for the establishment of a charter. The current
N. RIDGEVILLE From 4
What is the biggest challenge facing the city and how would you address it? Ali: The biggest challenge is balancing our budget within our means. A hot issue has always been Center Ridge Road, but that is out of the city’s control. That is the state. What is in our control is the flooding problem, which the city has been working on. But once again, you have to work within your means. We have spent twice as much money as we have in the past getting this water problem resolved, but you have to work within your budget. Awig: Not enough places for people who
The Chronicle-Telegram
Columbia Township trustees are asking residents for more money to help take care of its roads. Trustee Mike Musto said the need for a tax levy was simple. “We need more money to keep the roads in good repair,” Musto said. Issue 14 would renew a 1-mill levy and increase it by 0.3-mills
for a period of five years. Township Fiscal Officer Mandy Andrews said that not only are the materials used to fix roads rising in cost, but there’s also more mileage for the township’s five-person Road Department to keep up with. Andrews said the fast-growing township used to be responsible for nearly 41 miles of roads, but the Ohio Depart-
administration and elected officials who were opposed to a charter made their way onto the commission and are undermining the process. They feel all is well within the city and the way business is conducted should not change. That is NOT what the citizens want. Citizens of Lorain want change and the only way to make that happen is vote those individuals out of office starting now. Jenkins: The biggest challenge facing Lorain is work for our community and recreation for our youth. Leighty: The biggest challenge facing Lorain is the loss of residents and business investments. I’d use Bloom’s Taxonomy to develop a plan of action based on knowledge, comprehension, application of strategy developed through knowledge and comprehension, analyse what works and doesn’t to develop further beneficial actions (synthesis) and continue to evaluate the plan. Lorain has had its share of bad decisions, which constantly get blamed on previous administrations. It’s time to roll up our sleeves, put in the work and do what’s necessary to stop making excuses while making better choices for Lorain residents. — Carissa Woytach
ment of Transportation recently completed a survey and said that the distance was now closer to 43 miles. The levy now brings in around $238,000 annually, she said. That would increase to just shy of $320,000 if Issue 14 passes. She also said that while the state provided some funding for road work, it didn’t cover all of the township’s expenses.
The owner of a home valued at $100,000 currently pays $26.78 per year, according to Lorain County Auditor Craig Snodgrass’ office. That would increase by $10.50 to a total of $37.28 per year. “It’s a good levy, and I’m proud to vote for it,” Musto said.
Lynne Christner, 67
Facebook: @Jameson4Council
Party: Republican Education: Associate degree of applied science — radiologic technology Family: Husband Jim, three sons and four grandchildren Job history: I worked 40 plus years in health care. My last 11 years I worked for Philips Healthcare, traveling to hospitals around the country, training the staff and physicians on our Cardio/Vascular product line. Website: facebook.com/christner4council
Otis Jenkins, 67
Brian Jameson, 48 Party: Republican Education: B.S. social psychology, Park University; Elyria High, Class of 1991 Family: Married to Jenifer Jameson (nee Freeman), five children and one grandson Job history: Retired Navy Chief Petty Officer, served 23 years, currently employed at DePalma Insurance & Financial Services in Lorain
work and live here to shop, dine and play. I would encourage the hiring of an economic development director and be proactive in seeking businesses that residents would like to have in our city. DeVries: North Ridgeville has experienced a tremendous amount of growth over the last 10 years. We recently hit a population of over 34,000. With all of the new residents, we need to continue to work on the city’s infrastructure and the public service the city provides. The biggest challenge is that we need to shift the tax burden away from the residents by bringing more businesses to our community. My plan would be to work with the mayor’s administration to fill the economic development director position. We need to come up with a marketing strategy to let businesses know we are a business-friendly community. Having
Party: Republican Education: Clearview High School Class of 1973 Family: Wife Cheri Jenkins, several children and grandchildren
Jeremy Leighty, 48 Party: Republican Education: K-10 Sheffield/ Sheffield Lake School District transferring to Lorain Schools after Easter break. Held title of class of 1991 Vocational Industrial Clubs of America machine trades class president. Family: Eldest child of Eugene Leighty and Kathleen Leighty (Cibroski) I have three children; stepfather to three children and grandfather of three. Job history: 1991-present R.B. Industrial Wood Products assistant shop foreman 1992-1995; 1995-present shop foreman/ COO.
additional businesses to share the tax burden will be pivotal to our future. Doran: Our city has become a bedroom community, which is great, but we need to attract more variety of businesses to fill in Center Ridge Road and Lorain Road. While I love them, we need more than pizza shops, car washes, and car part stores. Jacobs: A significant area of opportunity in our city is attracting new businesses including retailers and restaurants for the convenience of our residents, as well as light industrial and technology companies that can offer higher paying jobs that will help to increase our tax revenues. A stronger tax base from the business community would allow the city to provide an even greater level of service to our residents without having to seek tax increases. We must renew our search for an economic development
director who has experience with attracting such businesses to communities like ours. Maleski: We have all driven up and down Center Ridge and longed for the day to see not only the road being finished, but also seeing a wide range of businesses line the street. Prioritizing completion of road construction and promoting economic growth will be the cornerstone of my term if elected. By adding an economic adviser to the administration staff, I feel this will help encourage growth in our city. We also face the challenges of controlling flooding that our neighbors have suffered through. As a team on Council, we have begun addressing these issues with passing legislation to update our equipment and modernize our facilities. — Dylan Reynolds
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Tuesday, April 27, 2021
PRIMARY 2021
The Chronicle-Telegram
AVON LAKE
Renewal supports paramedic supplies Dylan Reynolds The Chronicle-Telegram The renewal of a paramedic levy that supplies nearly one-third of the Avon Lake Fire Department’s overall budget is vital to the department’s operations, Chief Jeremy Betsa said. Firefighters at the department are crosstrained in emergency medical services. “The same people that show up on the ambulance are the same people that show up on the fire trucks,” Betsa said. “The paramedic levy supports an entire shift of nine individuals. It also supports the payment of our administrative assistant, who helps with a lot of the administrative work in the department.” In addition, the levy supports the majority of equipment Avon Lake Fire Department KRISTIN BAUER / CHRONICLE purchases for EMS. A new ambulance that was acquired and brought to the station this The Avon Lake Fire Department has an EMS levy up for renewal. The station used month was entirely funded by the levy, Betsa funds from that levy to purchase a new EMS vehicle that recently was delivered. said. like gas, oil and water also are paid from the less from the city’s general fund, allowing Smaller pieces of equipment are replaced general fund dollars to be used for other with levy money as well, from blood pres- levy. By funding these expenses with levy projects within Avon Lake. sure cuffs to bandages and ice packs. Some of the department’s “cost of living expenses” money, Betsa said the fire department takes The levy has been on the books since the
ISSUE 1 What it is: 2.0-mill renewal levy Duration: three years How much it would raise: $1.7 million per year Purpose: funds nine firefighter/ paramedics and administrative assistant, pays for majority of EMS equipment and supplies Cost to homeowner/taxpayer: The owner of a $100,000 home would continue to pay $51.44 annually.
late 1970s but increased in millage at one point, Mayor Greg Zilka said, and it has traditionally had great success on the ballot. “People have confidence in the paramedics,” Zilka said. “It’s like bringing an emergency room into your driveway, and we are very proud of the performance of our paramedics. They receive high praise from people who have called them.” As a renewal, Issue 1 is not a new tax, Zilka said. See AVON LAKE, 7
LORAIN FIRE DEPARTMENT
Levy renewal would maintain staffing Carissa Woytach The Chronicle-Telegram A renewal levy on the May ballot would keep funding the Lorain Fire Department, including minimum staffing levels. Issue 2, a 1.7-mill, five-year property tax levy, would continue to raise $1.4 million per year for the city’s Fire Department. Those funds are used to pay the salaries of nine firefighters, along with renovations to stations, and to replace or repair aging equipment, Chief Chris Radman said. The renewal will not increase the costs to residents — currently $55.73 for the owner of a $100,000 home. New stations on the city’s east and west sides also were paid for in part from levy funds, he said, and a new pumper truck for Station No. 7. Roof work for Central and Station No. 3 would come from the renewal funds, as well as new plumbing for Central’s apparatus floor. The levy first was passed by voters in response to a budget crisis in 2016, which led to the temporary layoff of 22 firefighters. A SAFER grant saved those firefighters’ jobs, with the levy put in place to help pick up the
ISSUE 2 What it is: a 1.7-mill renewal levy Duration: five years How much would it raise: $1,407,661 per year Purpose: Funding operating expenses of Lorain Fire Department Cost to homeowner/taxpayer: The owner of a $100,000 home would continue to pay $55.73 annually.
BRUCE BISHOP / CHRONICLE
According to the Lorain Fire Department, a renewal levy on the May ballot would maintain minimum staffing levels. slack after the grant ran out. Currently, the city employs about 63 firefighters between four stations. If the levy does not pass, nine of those would be lost from the already short-staffed department,
Radman said, and could lead to closing a station. Use of mutual aid from other cities and overtime costs also could rise, as firefighters would be called in on their days off to respond to calls in Lorain.
“It would decrease response times in the area in the station that would be closed,” Radman said. “It would also decrease operations and what can and cannot be done on scene. Every vehicle, every crew that comes on a vehicle has a function. By closing one station down you’re closing a crew down — which could be your search and rescue team, could be your water supply team, could be your ventilation team. “There’s several different tasks that need to be done at a fire, and losing a crew drastically hurts.” See LORAIN, 7
PRIMARY 2021
The Chronicle-Telegram
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
7
OBERLIN
$515K in operating, garbage renewals sought Jason Hawk The Chronicle-Telegram Two property tax levy renewals have been placed on the May 4 primary ballot by Oberlin City Council, with a combined $515,225 per year in services riding on the outcome. Issue 3 is a 1.2-mill property tax renewal request that would raise $147,208 per year, according to the Lorain County Auditor’s Office. Already on the books, the money covers general expenses including police and fire coverage, parks and recreation, cemetery expenses, code enforcement and other programs related to quality of life. If re-upped by Oberlin voters for another five years, it would cost $32.70 per year for every $100,000 worth of property. Issue 4 is a 3-mill levy renewal that would raise $368,017 per year to keep the city’s fleet
ISSUE 3
ISSUE 4
What it is: A 1.2-mill levy renewal Duration: five years How much would it raise: $147,208 per year Purpose: General operating expenses Cost to homeowner/taxpayer: The owner of a $100,000 home would continue to pay $32.70 annually.
What it is: A 3-mill levy renewal Duration: five years How much would it raise: $368,017 per year Purpose: Garbage collection and disposal Cost to homeowner/taxpayer: The owner of a $100,000 home would continue to pay $81.75 annually.
of garbage trucks collecting trash, recycling and brush for another five years. If successful, it would cost $81,75 per year for every $100,000 worth of property. Neither issue would increase taxes, Oberlin Finance Director Sal Talarico said. In October, City Council decided to ask residents for renewals instead of replace-
ments or increases. Those options would have increased taxes while also eliminating a 12.5 percent state tax rollback on owner-occupied homes, Talarico said. Both renewals are set to expire at the end of 2021. If for some reason the May requests are rejected by voters, Oberlin officials could
try again in November. That hardly seems likely. Every Oberlin city and library levy dating back to at least 1998 has been embraced by voters, with large-margin wins. “We’ve done well, and I think it’s because our residents appreciate that we spend the money appropriately and we deliver what we promise,” Talarico said. If the operating levy were defeated, it wouldn’t result in immediate cuts, he said. But they would be likely to come the following year: “Tough decisions would have to be made,” said Talarico. If the trash collection levy were to fail, monthly rates would have to increase substantially, he said. Contact Jason Hawk at news@lcnewspapers.com.
OBERLIN
Library relying on voters to renew half its budget Jason Hawk The Chronicle-Telegram Half the Oberlin Public Library’s annual operating budget is on the May 4 primary ballot in the form of a property-tax levy renewal. Issue 5 asks for voters to keep a 3.25-mill levy on the books another five years. It would not increase taxes. The levy generates $726,646 per year, or $87.82 for every $100,000 worth of property you own. “If it doesn’t pass, we won’t have enough money to do the things we normally do,” Library Director Darren McDonough said. “We’d have to lay off some staff, cut our hours and buy less materials.” Over the past five years, the Oberlin library has circulated nearly a million items.
AVON LAKE From 6
If the levy were to fail, Betsa said it would force conversations about how to allocate funds from other places to keep EMS and ambulance services running smoothly in the Fire Department. While there have not been specific discussions of the consequences of the funding going away if the levy fails, he said he imag-
ISSUE 5 What it is: 3.25-mill levy renewal Duration: five years How much it would raise: $726,646 per year Purpose: General operating expenses Cost to homeowner/taxpayer: The owner of a $100,000 home would continue to pay $87.82 annually.
Issue 5 campaign materials boast that at just over $7 per month for the owner of a $100,000 home, the levy is less expensive than any digital book or movie subscription service on the market. Levy cash also funds The Bridge, the com-
ines “we would be talking about potential layoffs, not being able to replace equipment, not being able to replace vehicles on our vehicle replacement schedule” among other possible outcomes. But Betsa said the fire department has been lucky through the years to have voters support the levy at the ballot box. Contact Dylan Reynolds at (440) 329-7123 or dreynolds@chroniclet.com. Follow him on Twitter @drey1357.
munity technology center located just down South Main Street. It provides people with access to computers for homework, filing taxes, job searches and browsing. State funding to libraries has been steadily sloping off for the past two decades. Now, as the pandemic continues, librarians are closely watching for signs of economic recovery. The Oberlin Public Library closed its doors to visitors through the majority of 2020. Curbside service has been available to patrons, but the library is only now starting to restore in-person browsing hours. The reduction in services meant the library spent far less money last year than had been budgeted, McDonough said. If the levy renewal is successful, he said
LORAIN From 6
Lorain fire responded to 371 fire calls in the city last year, up from 301 in 2019. Of those calls in 2020, 175 were structure fires, Radman said. Crews also respond to car crashes throughout the city, and several are members of the county dive team. Radman is hopeful the renewal will pass, and said some funds could be allocated to purchase rescue equipment for each pumper truck. Currently, when LFD responds to a car crash,
about $100,000 will be tucked away in a rainy-day capital fund, to be held against future calamities. That could include another widespread health emergency, or something as simple as repairs to the library’s heating equipment. The library has a great track record with Oberlin voters, who have approved every request for at least the past quarter-century. But McDonough said he doesn’t want to take their goodwill for granted. “We always operate under the theory that we do things right all year, so when a levy comes up we don’t have to go out and do a lot of PR,” he said. Contact Jason Hawk at jason@lcnewspapers.com.
the closest pumper along with the tower truck from Station No. 7 respond, as the tower truck is the only one equipped with rescue equipment. Levy funds could go toward battery-powered cutters and spreaders, he said. Lorain fire also operates a smoke detector program with the Red Cross in which firefighters will install or replace the batteries in smoke detectors in the city. If the levy fails, and nine firefighters are cut from the department’s rolls, programs like that could suffer, Radman said. Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.
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PRIMARY 2021
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
The Chronicle-Telegram
SHEFFIELD LAKE
Domonkas library levy up for renewal Carissa Woytach The Chronicle-Telegram Lorain Public Library System is asking Sheffield Lake voters to support a renewal levy for operating expenses of the Domonkas branch. Issue 6, a 2.95-mill, five year property tax levy generates about $439,962 for the lakefront branch, covering 83 percent ISSUE 6 of its operating costs. What it is: 2.95 mill renewal The levy currently costs levy owners of a $100,000 home Duration: five years about $85 per year, with How much it would raise: funds staying in the commu$439,962 per year nity the library serves, Lorain Purpose: funding current Public Library System direcoperating expenses for tor Anastasia Diamond-Ortiz Lorain Public Library’s said. Domonkas branch “Any dollar that comes to Cost to homeowner/ us from the levy goes right taxpayer: The owner of back into your community,” a $100,000 home would she said. continue to pay $85.11 Those funds are put annually. toward material and program expenses, including internet hotspot checkouts prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Domonkas branch, 4125 Lake Road, also is in the middle of a major refresh, she said. Built in 1964, it has had little done to it since. “So that’s been really good — working with the community to figure out their needs, what they want, what their desires were for the branch,” she said. “We’ve been changing out the whole look and feel of the branch to bring it more modern and then just make sure we have all the things that the community wants.” If the levy were to fail, it would be up to the Library System’s Board of Trustees to ultimately close the branch, but short of that, hours and services would be drastically reduced to cut costs, Diamond-Ortiz said. Contact Carissa Woytach at 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.
KRISTIN BAUER / CHRONICLE
The Lorain Public Library Domonkas branch has been renovated, including painting the facility, adding new carpeting, purchasing new book cases and creating a more socially distanced environment for patrons.
ISSUE 7
SHEFFIELD LAKE
What it is: a proposed charter amendment in Sheffield Lake Purpose: to change Article VII, Section 1(a) of the city charter, to state that the city building inspector and director of public service are non-voting, ex-officio members of the Board of Zoning Appeals
Changes to city charter language would clarify nonvoting roles of city officials
ISSUE 8 What it is: a proposed charter amendment in Sheffield Lake Purpose: to change Article VII, Section 2(a), to state that the building inspector is a non-voting, ex-officio member of the city’s Planning Commission
ISSUE 9 What it is: A proposed charter amendment in Sheffield Lake Purpose: To change Article VII, Section 3(a), to state that the mayor and service director are non-voting, ex-officio members of the Parks and Recreation Board
The Chronicle-Telegram
The city is asking voters to approve changing some language in its charter clarifying the nonvoting role of certain city officials serving on boards. Issues 7, 8 and 9 on the May ballot concern proposed changes to the charter language that would clarify that city officials who are “ex-officio” members of city boards are non-voting members of those bodies. Issue 7 would change Article VII, Section 1(a) of the city charter, which
states that the city building inspector and director of public service are ex-officio members of the Board of Zoning Appeals. Issue 8 changes Article VII, Section 2(a), which states that the building inspector is an ex-officio member of the city’s Planning Commission. And Issue 9 changes Article VII, Section 3(a), which states that the mayor and service director are ex-officio members of the Parks and Recreation Board. City Law Director David Graves said
current charter language “doesn’t say what ‘ex-officio’ means.” “It doesn’t say they’re nonvoting, or do they count for a quorum, or do their votes count to take official action,” he said. “These charter amendments clarify they (city officials) are non-voting members.” “It’s not as if these public officers are suddenly becoming ex-officio, this just clarifies those ex-officio positions,” Graves added.
PRIMARY 2021
The Chronicle-Telegram
AMHERST TOWNSHIP
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
9
BRIGHTON TOWNSHIP
Trustees ask for renewal Road levy targets to keep roads in shape Peck Wadsworth Jason Hawk The Chronicle-Telegram Keeping the roads passable is a township’s top priority and by far its biggest cost, according to Amherst Township Trustee Neil Lynch. He and fellow trustees David Urig and Dennis Abraham are asking voters this May to renew a 1-mill property tax levy for streets, roads and bridges. It first was passed in November 2011. As a renewal, Issue 10 would continue to generate $123,413 per year through 2026 without raising taxes. If successful, it would cost $28.48 each year for every $100,000 worth of real estate. “Realize this can be used for anything on roads,” Lynch said. “It can be equipment, it can be the roads themselves, it can be salaries,” even buying winter road salt. This year, township officials plan to resurface Hornyak Court, Rice Court and Tina Lane. Next year, plans call for new asphalt on Dewey Road from Middle Ridge to the Amherst city limits, provided state funding comes through to help pay for the project.
ISSUE 10 What it is: 1-mill renewal levy Duration: five years How much would it raise: $123,413 per year Purpose: Streets, roads and bridges Cost to homeowner/taxpayer: The owner of a $100,000 home will pay $28.48 annually.
“We know we’re going to have some slab replacement on the concrete roads, also. But we want to wait and see what we get approved for funding,” Lynch said. Property taxes have held steady during the pandemic, and haven’t plummeted like they did during the Great Recession of the mid-2000s, when people were losing their homes, he said. But the renewal levy is needed to cover the high cost of road repairs, he said. Contact Jason Hawk at news@lcnewspapers.com.
Jason Hawk ISSUE 11 The Chronicle-Telegram A 1-mill levy on the May 4 primary What it is: 1-mill renewal levy ballot, if successful, will help chip Duration: five years and seal a portion of Peck Wadsworth Road. How much would it raise: Issue 11 would generate a little $21,650 per year more than $108,000 over the next five years and would cost Brighton TownPurpose: road improvements ship residents $24.46 per year for Cost to homeowner/taxpayer: every $100,000 their home is worth. “The purpose is to help our roads The owner of a $100,000 home stay in shape,” Brighton Township would continue pay $24.46 Trustee Steve Urbansky said. annually. “We want to keep our roads up. We don’t like potholes in them... Most people enjoy a smooth road over a But that would mean cuts in other bumpy road.” areas, Urbansky said. If the measure doesn’t pass, the “It’s either one or the other,” he Peck Wadsworth maintenance probsaid. ably would still move forward, he “That’s just the way it is.” said. The total project cost is around Contact Jason Hawk at news@lcnewspapers.com. $25,000.
CAMDEN TOWNSHIP
Renewals would benefit fire department, roads Christina Jolliffe The Chronicle-Telegram The purpose of the two renewal levies is to keep the taxes collected close to what they are now and reconfigure where the money is distributed. If Issues 12 and 13 are approved by voters in May, residents would see a $6.26 tax increase annually. Officials agree the roads are in excellent shape, but the fire department is going to need a financial lift in the near future. Currently, residents pay $70 per year for the two levies with $22.10 going to the Fire Department and $47.90 going to road maintenance and improvement. If Issues 12 and 13 pass, residents will pay $57.10 to the Fire Department and $19.16 to roads, according to Fiscal Officer John Ciarrone. “It would raise taxes $6.26 per year for a total of $76.26 annually,” he said. And the taxpayers’ money would be better used on the fire department than on the roads at this time, according to township Trustee James Hozalski. “Our roads are in good shape,” he said.
ISSUE 12 What it is: 2-mill renewal and increase levy Duration: five years How much it would raise: $166,269 annually Purpose: fire and EMS Cost to homeowner/taxpayer: The owner of a $100,000 home would pay $57.10 annually.
ISSUE 13 What it is: 1.5-mill renewal and decrease levy Duration: five years How much it would raise: $102,150 annually Purpose: road maintenance and improvement Cost to homeowner/taxpayer: The owner of a $100,000 home would pay $19.16 annually.
“We always have a road project or a maintenance project every year. We shoot for $100,000 a year to maintain what we have and we have excellent roads in the township, excellent snow removal and very nice lawn maintenance.” What the township also has is an aging fire fleet. “We have two structure fire trucks, pump-
ers, that are both 15 years old, and we have a secondary pumper that is 29 years old,” Camden Township fire Chief Adam Woodrum said. “We’ve done a good job in the past with obtaining grants for equipment, but we just want to make sure we continue to do a good job and keep our resources up to date.” Although he hasn’t been actively pricing
new trucks, Woodrum said basic models start around $300,000 and cost upward of $700,000, depending on the size of the pump, the number of hoses and other factors. “All of our vehicles are getting older,” he said. “We don’t want this to creep up on us. We want to be prepared.” The fire department, which employs 20 part-time, volunteer firefighters, received federal grants for new fire suits recently, and it was able to purchase a new brush truck with additional grants, but a new pumper is a “high dollar ticket item,” according to Woodrum. “We want to reduce 1 mill off of the road levy to put 1 mill on the fire levy,” Hozalski said. “We could utilize the money better there.” Woodrum stressed the township just wants to swap where the tax dollars are going. “The community has always been very good to us, and we appreciate their support,” he said. Contact Christina Jolliffe at ctnews@chroniclet.com.
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PRIMARY 2021
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
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SHEFFIELD TOWNSHIP
Levies to support growing staffing needs Christina Jolliffe The Chronicle-Telegram If approved, an additional 3-mill levy would provide 24/7 staffing for the fire department, which has seen an increase in calls over the past four years. Sheffield Township fire Chief Joe Bandagski said the township currently has the only fire department in Northern Lorain County providing EMS that does not staff 24/7 despite a call volume higher than many of the surrounding departments. “Due to the volume of our calls and coming from home, it’s better off for patients if we were manned 24/7,” Bandagski said. “Every call is different. Every situation is different. But time is always of the essence. The need for us is there. We run a lot of calls for our little square miles of township.” But the additional levy is one of four on the ballot. Voters in the township will decide on three renewals and the additional levy when hitting the polls this year. Issue 15 is a 2.25 renewal that provides for EMS and fire expenses, such as payroll, vehicle purchases, repairs and equipment. The levy generates $166,303 per year and costs the owner of a $100,000 home about $60 annually. Issue 16, which was approved about four years ago, is a 2.5 renewal levy that provides for a fire department day crew, which means the station is manned with two staff members from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. The levy generates $130,880 annually and pays payroll and ambulance expenses only.
ISSUE 15
ISSUE 17
What it is: 2.25-mill renewal levy Duration: five years How much it would raise: $116,303 annually Purpose: fire and EMS services Cost to homeowner/taxpayer: The owner of a $100,000 home would continue to pay $59.98 annually.
What it is: 0.35-mill renewal levy Duration: five years How much it would raise: $12,874 annually Purpose: Current expenses Cost to homeowner/taxpayer: The owner of a $100,000 home would continue to pay $6.22 annually.
ISSUE 16 What it is: 2.5-mill renewal levy Duration: five years How much it would raise: $130,880 annually Purpose: EMS services Cost to homeowner/taxpayer: The owner of a $100,000 home would continue to pay $68.04 annually.
It costs the owner of a $100,000 home about $68 each year. Issue 17 is a 0.35-mill renewal levy that covers township expenses, which can range from anything from copy paper to paying the electric bill. All of the existing levies are important to maintain the current level of services to the township, which is why the decision was made not to combine the existing levies with the additional, officials said. “The decision was made to keep them separate in the event that the 3-mill levy does not pass, the residents will not lose their existing services,” Bandagski said. But the fact remains that the township receives 1,300 calls per year. “We are one of the busier townships,” Trustee Chad Parsons said. “We are one of
ISSUE 18 What it is: 3-mill additional levy Duration: five years How much it would raise: $174,988 annually Purpose: fire and EMS services Cost to homeowner/taxpayer: The owner of a $100,000 home would pay $105 annually.
the busiest in Lorain County and one of the busiest in the state of Ohio. And we are one of the last townships in Lorain County without 24 hour staffing.” Parsons said simply that the time has come. “This is a need, not a want,” he said. “The department has done an excellent job. This is no discredit to them or the EMS. We’ve just outgrown part-time staffing.” This is the first time this issue has gone to the voters. If approved, Issue 18 would generate $174,988 annually and cost the owner of a $100,000 home $105 per year. Currently, if a call comes in during nonstaffed hours, dispatchers alert firefighters through a repeater, similar to a pager. The firefighter then has to drive to the station,
get geared up and go to the call, which can add time to the response. If approved, this levy would be like having an insurance policy, Parson said. “We have insurance on our cars, so if an accident does occur, we’re covered,” he said. “This is so we’re covered as a township. We pay several dollars a month and we know someone is going to be there for us. They’re always going to be there, but with this there will be a faster response time.” Parson said the trustees have been good stewards of the township money, making every dollar count, and they intend to continue doing the same. “As elected officials, we hate to ask for an increase from our residents,” he said. “We are taxpayers too. But the need is here.” Contact Christina Jolliffe at ctnews@chroniclet.com.
CENTRAL LORAIN COUNTY JOINT AMBULANCE DISTRICT
‘Extremely low’ millage supports rural needs Christina Jolliffe ISSUE 20 The Chronicle-Telegram OBERLIN — Voters will consider a 1.15What it is: 1.15-mill renewal levy mill, 3-year renewal levy in May that would Duration: three years continue to support Central Lorain County How much it would raise: $434,154 Joint Ambulance District. annually The district serves the areas of Oberlin, Purpose: Ambulance and emergency Camden, Kipton, New Russia, Henrietta and medical services Pittsfield, providing state-of-the-art medical Cost to homeowner/taxpayer: The equipment to make medical care and transowner of a $100,000 home would port effective and efficient, according to the continue to pay $29.90 annually. board chairman Mark McConnell. Located in Oberlin, CLCJAD contracts with Mercy Hospital to provide transport for ment and vehicles. “In Oberlin, we’re closer to Mercy Hospipatients throughout the area. Mercy hires and pays the salaries of tal, but in rural areas, when you start with employees, while CLCJAD maintains equip- travel time and miles, time is critical when it
comes to patient care,” he said. “We have the most advanced and up-todate equipment.” For example, CLCJAD has power cots, a machine that performs chest compressions for CPR and even technology that allows doctors at other hospitals to monitor patient information before being brought in. “If we have a heart patient in Pittsfield that we are monitoring and it is determined the issue is severe, we are not stopping at Mercy, but transporting to Lorain, where they have a heart lab,” McConnell said. The district has two active ambulances with one back up and is expecting delivery of a new command vehicle this month. “We systematically replace vehicles when
needed, and none of ours are more than 5 years old,” McConnell said. If approved, the renewal levy would continue to generate $434,154 annually, costing the owner of a $100,000 home $29.90 per year. “We maintain a financially tight ship,” McConnell said. “The millage is extremely low for EMS services. We strive to provide the very best services possible. “We have experienced good support from the public over the past many years and appreciate it tremendously.” Contact Christina Jolliffe at ctnews@chroniclet.com.
PRIMARY 2021
The Chronicle-Telegram
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
11
LORAIN PUBLIC LIBRARY
Reduced hours at stake with renewal Carissa Woytach The Chronicle-Telegram The Lorain Public Library is hoping voters in the International City support a renewal levy covering 95 percent of the expenses for its two branches. Issue 22, a 5.95-mill, five-year property tax levy provides needed revenue streams for the South Lorain and Main Library branches, Lorain Public Library System Director Anastasia Diamond-Ortiz said. Unlike library systems in neighboring counties, Lorain Public Library levies go to fund individual branches in the communities they serve, so the money from Issue 22 only will fund the Lorain branches, she said. The renewal generates about $3.3 million per year, covering program and material costs for those buildings. It costs the owner of a $100,000 home about $178 per year. Those funds go toward materials such as books and DVDs, she said, and longstanding programs such as book clubs and storytimes. It also funds newer items like internet hot spots available for checkout and a culinary literacy program at the Main Library. “So we have programs in Lorain specifically on teaching people about nutrition and how to be well and how to cook, really,” she said. “Those kinds of things are things
ISSUE 22 What it is: 5.95- mill renewal levy Duration: five years How much it would raise: $3,354,418 per year Purpose: funding current operating costs for the Lorain Public Library’s Main and South Lorain branches Cost to homeowner/taxpayer: The owner of a $100,000 home would continue to pay $178.68 per year.
people may not know about but that’s things that their tax dollars pay for.” If the renewal were to fail, branches would not immediately close, Diamond-Ortiz said, as it would be up to the library’s Board of Trustees to make that decision. But hours of operation would be severely reduced. “So by reducing hours, it’s reducing access to computers and reducing access to meeting rooms — just to our spaces where the community does like to come and meet even if they’re not having big meetings, it’s a community gathering space,” she said. “… The hours are the first thing that we have to look at cutting, besides KRISTIN BAUER / CHRONICLE things like materials and potentially closing on Saturdays.” The Lorain Public Library main branch has a culinary literacy center where the library is able Contact Carissa Woytach at 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.
to livestream and record cooking classes for patrons to watch online. When it is safe to host in-person classes again, the library will host smaller groups and have children’s classes.
AVON LAKE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Failure ‘would be devastating to our operations’ Dylan Reynolds The Chronicle-Telegram The Avon Lake Public Library celebrated its 90th birthday earlier this year and is now asking voters to help keep it funded through its 95th birthday. About three-quarters of the library’s total funding is up for renewal May 4 on Avon Lake ballots as Issue 19. Director William Rutger said the remaining quarter of the library’s funding comes from the state and to a lesser degree, donations, fines and other sources. But he described the levy money, which adds up to more than $2.4 million annually, as “critical” in maintaining library operations. It is used for a variety of expenses including paying employees’ salaries, offer-
“It would be devastating to our operations. We would really have to reevaluate essentially everything that we do,” he said. What it is: 2.8-mill renewal levy As a renewal, taxes would not increase if Duration: five years the levy passed. Rutger said the library works How much it would raise: within its means financially and has contin$2,422,529 per year ued to do so during the COVID-19 pandemic. Purpose: to help the library continue “We know it’s been a difficult time for operations everyone,” he said. Cost to homeowner/taxpayer: The During the pandemic, the library has owner of a $100,000 home would made some adaptations to meet patrons’ continue to pay $72.02 per year. needs while keeping them protected from the virus. A curbside pickup program was ing services, funding programming and instituted and the library invested in its digital collection. expanding the collection. One program that has been popular for Rutger said that if the renewal were to fail, the impact of losing that money would be patrons who are uncomfortable coming severe. inside to browse is a personalized book
ISSUE 19
selection service, Rutger said. Librarians listen to the interests of the customer using the service and select books they may enjoy. He said personalized selection is part of the professional training librarians undergo. Other library projects undertaken since the levy was last renewed include digitizing the local history collection, adding musical instruments and equipment for patron use and upgrading the building to make it more efficient and reduce utility costs. Avon Lake Public Library reports that it has circulated more than 2 million items, offered more than 3,000 programs and had more than 1 million visits in the past five years. Contact Dylan Reynolds at (440) 329-7123 or dreynolds@ chroniclet.com. Follow him on Twitter @drey1357.
12
PRIMARY 2021
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
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CLEARVIEW SCHOOLS
Emergency renewal would maintain safety and upkeep Carissa Woytach The Chronicle-Telegram Voters living in Clearview Schools boundaries will see an emergency renewal levy on the May 4 ballot. Issue 21, which will appear for some residents in in the city of Lorain and Sheffield Township, is a 2.86-mill, 10-year renewal. It generates about $261,855 annually for the district and costs the owner of a $100,000 home $87.59 per year. Levy funds are needed to help cover operating expenses in the district, Superintendent Jerome Davis said, as part of the district’s roughly $15 million budget. It covers the costs of an entire school building — Vincent Elementary. “It will allow us to continue to maintain a revenue stream that would include but not be limited to improving and equipping the buildings, maintaining safety, acquiring instructional materials and repair student technology,” he said. The small district, serving about 1,700 students, is on its way to have one-to-one technology for its students thanks to pandemic funds from the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief grants it received, Davis said. While those grants were used for the initial
ISSUE 21 What it is: 2.86 mill emergency renewal levy Duration: 10 years How much it would raise: $261,855 per year Purpose: funding current operating expenses for Clearview Schools Cost to homeowner/taxpayer: The owner of a $100,000 home would continue to pay $87.59 annually.
purchase of laptops or other student tech, levy funds will be used to upkeep and refresh student technology. “The levy will help continue because there’s a turnover rate of equipment, we have some old equipment that’s going out now that’s going to help replace it,” he said. It hopes to be one-to-one for all its students by the start of the 2021-22 school year. First passed in 2012, the district would have another chance in the fall to pass the renewal levy if it were to fail this spring. “We will definitely try again if it doesn’t pass,” Davis said. Contact Carissa Woytach at 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.
KRISTIN BAUER / CHRONICLE
Vincent Elementary School kindergartner Mya Long-Marshall, 6, uses a sponge to paint a pot on a Friday afternoon earlier this month. The pot will decorate the courtyard at the school where students are able to play or have outdoor time during their classes.
SOUTH LORAIN COUNTY AMBULANCE DISTRICT
Renewal would help to bring hospital to patients Christina Jolliffe The Chronicle-Telegram If approved, the renewal levy for South Lorain County Ambulance District would continue to cost taxpayers $86.34 annually for a service that is there when it’s needed. The SLCAD offers emergency care to the village of Wellington, Wellington Township, the village of Rochester, Rochester Township, Brighton Township, Penfield Township, and Huntington Township, covering about 125 square miles and serving around 10,000 residents. And it has done so since 1977. In a rural area where it can take time to get to a hospital, the ambulance service needs to be able to bring the hospital to its patients, and that is just what SLCAD does, Executive Director Skip Gentry said.
SLCAD is able to do that, in part, due to the approximate $900,000 generated annually from this levy. Money generated go toward “maintenance of our current service, personnel, vehicles, training, equipment,” Gentry said. The SLCAD employs around 40 paramedics and EMTs, has a fleet of four ambulances and one responder vehicle, and serves as an example of an ambulance service with some of the more advanced protocols in the state, according to Gentry. SLCAD has equipment on its vehicle that is not standard for all ambulance services, for one example — a ventilator. Due to the longer travel time to the hospital and the need to bring the hospital to the patient, having a ventilator on board can mean the difference between life and
death. And, of course, SLCAD makes sure all of its employees receive optimum training. “We are all about training,” Gentry said. In fact, SLCAD serves as a training site for Lorain County Community College and will host critical care nurse practitioners from Case Western University this spring. “We are in the business of taking care of people,” Gentry said. The ambulance district does a number of behind-the-scenes things for the community as well, he said, from free blood pressure checks to CPR training to helping residents with mobility issues to organizing and preparing teachers on mass shooting scenarios. Contact Christina Jolliffe at ctnews@chroniclet.com.
ISSUE 23 What it is: 3.25-mill renewal levy Duration: five years How much it would raise: $901,702 annually Purpose: ambulance and emergency medical services Cost to homeowner/ taxpayer: The owner of a $100,000 home would continue to pay $86.34 annually.