Local property tax levies are an important source of funding for a variety of health and social service programs in Ohio. They fund everything from A (abuse and neglect investigations) to Z (Zika virus surveillance). Community Solutions identified 42 of Ohio’s 88 counties that have at least one levy for health or social services in this year’s November general election. We compiled our list by looking at sample ballots downloaded from each county’s board of elections. Included in our list are levies that support public health, children’s services, senior services, developmental disabilities, mental health and recovery, public hospitals, or health and human services generally.
Community Solutions identified 42 of Ohio’s 88 counties that have at least one levy for health or social services in this year’s November general election.
As shown in the table, there are a total of 51 health or human service levies. Most are renewals or replacements. Eleven communities are seeking additional levies or increases in response to increased community need. Several counties have two levies related to health or social services on the ballot, and Preble County has three (children’s services, health and mental health & recovery).
[table id=93 /]
Property tax rates are listed as millage rates, or mills, which represent the amount each homeowner would have to pay per every $1,000 of a property’s assessed value. A dozen communities have levies supporting public health on the general election ballot, making it the most common type of levy. Next week Community Solutions will review the election results and see how these levies fare.
Tomorrow, voters in communities across the state have the opportunity to support services that help the most vulnerable. Don’t forget to vote!
