HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — The city’s website describes its current funding situation as facing as a “financial crossroads.”
Voters this election season are being asked to approve Issue 11, a 5.9-mill levy increase that would help alleviate that situation by earmarking all of that increase towards financing police, fire and EMS services.
Highland Heights has relied since 1967 on a flat 4.0-mill property tax rate. Of that 4.0 mills, 2.2 mills is used to pay the city’s general operating expenses.
That 2.2 mills represents 6.5 percent of Highland Heights’ general fund revenue. The majority of the city’s expenses have been paid throughout the years from income taxes, but that well, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, has not been producing as in the past.
“Like our residents,” it is stated on the city’s website, “we also faced slowly rising costs due to inflation and increased service demand. Over the past few years, this combo of flat revenue and increased cost has led us to a roughly $2 million annual deficit.”
Highland Heights’ current 4.0-mill rate stands lower than surrounding communities’ rates, including Mayfield Village (5 mills), Mayfield Heights (10.9), Lyndhurst (11.5), University Heights (13.2), Richmond Heights (17.1), and South Euclid (18.9).
If Highland Heights’ millage is increased by 5.9 mills to 9.9 mills, its rate would be second-lowest on the above list only to Mayfield Village.
The 5.9 mill levy would cost approximately $17 per month per $100,000 of home value, or $206.50 annually.
“This November, voters will consider Issue 11, a 5.9-mill levy dedicated solely to maintaining and supporting the city’s police, fire, and EMS services,” said Mayor Chuck Brunello, Jr., when asked by cleveland.com to explain the need for Issue 11’s passage.
“These departments make up more than 60 percent of the city’s operating budget, and this levy is not about creating new programs — it is about preserving the high level of service and protection our residents expect and deserve.
“It has been 58 years since the city last asked residents to approve a property tax increase for city operations,” he said. “For decades, Highland Heights has operated with one of the lowest property tax rates in the region and relied primarily on income tax revenue.
“However, post-pandemic changes in workplace trends have made that revenue stream less stable, while the costs of equipment, vehicles, medical supplies, and benefits continue to rise.
“The Highland Heights Police and Fire Departments are among the best in the region. The police department is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) — an honor earned by fewer than 4 percent of police departments nationwide.
“The fire department maintains an impressive ISO (Insurance Services Office) Class 2 rating, placing it within the top 4.5 percent of departments across the country. This levy will ensure these exceptional departments have the resources they need to continue protecting our residents.”
Brunello said that, if the levy is approved, the city will create a separate fund specifically for all new funds it takes in. “This will, in turn, help relieve pressure, over time, from the general fund,” he said, “and allow us to build back up our reserves for the necessary road improvements and capital needs we’re going to need in the near future.”
To learn more about Issue 11, visit the city’s website.
Read more from the Sun Messenger.
Transparency has always been a top priority for the City of Highland Heights. As Mayor, I believe it is my duty to keep residents informed, listen to their feedback, and make responsible decisions that protect the community we are all proud to call home.
Every dollar entrusted to the City will continue to be managed with transparency, care, and fiscal responsibility. Together, we can preserve the services and quality of life that make Highland Heights such a special place to live.
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