2022 Voter Guide: Here are the 36 issues (and their cost) on the ballot in Summit County

Welcome to the 2022 Summit County Voter Guide.

This guide is a joint project of League of Women Voters of Akron and Hudson and the Akron Beacon Journal and was made possible through the support of the Knight Foundation.

This article lists all of the ballot issues appearing across Summit County. To find issues appearing on your specific ballot, click on the interactive guide below and enter your address. Cost estimates listed below are per each $100,000 of assessed property value based on a report from the Summit County Fiscal Office.

Interactive Voter Guide

If you click on the first link below, you can provide your address and see a customized ballot with your local races and issues only. If you prefer to find your own races, scroll down lower on this page.

2022 Election: Summit County Voter Guide

Issue 1 — Ohio criminal bonds

To require courts to consider factors like public safety when setting the amount of bail, the proposed amendment would:

• Require Ohio courts, when setting the amount of bail, to consider public safety, including the seriousness of the offense, as well as a person’s criminal record, the likelihood a person will return to court, and any other factor the Ohio General Assembly may prescribe.

• Remove the requirement that the procedures for establishing the amount and conditions of bail be determined by the Supreme Court of Ohio.

Issue 1 explained: What to know about bail issue on November 2022 ballot

Issue 2 — Ohio elections

To prohibit local government from allowing non-electors to vote, the proposed amendment would:

• Require that only a citizen of the United States, who is at least 18 years of age and who has been a legal resident and registered voter for at least 30 days, can vote at any state or local election held in this state.

• Prohibit local governments from allowing a person to vote in local elections if they are not legally qualified to vote in state elections

What is State Issue 2? Ohioans to decide on noncitizens' voting rights

Issue 3 — Copley-Fairlawn City School District

Bond issue: Shall bonds be issued by the Copley-Fairlawn City School District, Summit County, Ohio for the purpose of renovating, repairing, improving, and constructing improvements and additions to existing school buildings, athletic complex facilities, and infrastructure; furnishing and equipping the same; and improving the sites thereof in the principal amount of $50 million to be repaid annually over a maximum period of 30 years, and an annual levy of property taxes of 2.98 mills to pay the annual debt charges? The annual new cost per $100,000 of assessed property value would be $104.

Summit Issue 3: Several local school districts have levies, bond issues on November ballot

Issue 4 — Cuyahoga Falls School District

Renewal levy: Shall a levy renewing an existing levy be imposed by the Cuyahoga Falls City School District for the purpose of providing for the emergency requirements of the school district in the sum of $3.6 million at a rate of 4.11 mills for a period of 5 years? The annual cost per $100,000 of assessed property would remain $144.

Issue 5 — Nordonia Hills City School District

Bond issue: Shall bonds be issued by the Nordonia Hills City School District for the purpose of constructing, adding to, renovating, remodeling, furnishing, equipping and otherwise improving school district buildings and facilities and acquiring, clearing, improving and equipping their sites in the principal amount of $165 million to be repaid annually over a maximum period of 37 years with a bond issue of 7.75 mills? The annual new cost per $100,000 of assessed property value would be $271.

Issue 6 — Stow-Munroe Falls City School District

New tax levy: Shall a levy be imposed by the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District for the purpose of providing for the emergency requirements of the school district in the sum of $7.9 million with a levy of 6.93 mills? The annual new cost per $100,000 of assessed property value would be $243.

Issue 7 — Twinsburg City School District

Renewal levy: A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the Twinsburg City School District for the purpose of current expenses at a rate not exceeding 6.9 mills for 5 years. The annual cost per $100,000 of assessed property value would remain $144.

Issue 8 — Coventry Local School District

Renewal levy: Shall a levy renewing an existing levy be imposed by the Coventry Local School District for the purpose of providing for the emergency requirements of the school district in the sum of $2.9 million at a rate of 7.88 mills for a period of 5 years? The annual cost per $100,000 of assessed property value would remain $241.

Issue 9 — Springfield Local School District

New tax levy: An additional tax for the benefit of the Springfield Local School District for the purpose of current expenses at a rate not exceeding 3.9 mills for 5 years. The annual new cost per $100,000 of assessed property value would be $136.

Issue 10 — Akron Charter Amendment

Police review board: Shall the Charter of the city of Akron be amended by enacting Section 68a in order to establish a citizens' police oversight board and the office of the independent police auditor consisting of a full-time Independent Police Auditor, a full-time Deputy Independent Police Auditor, and at least one other full-time staff member, with funding appropriated on an annual basis in an amount sufficient to pay for the personnel services and other expenses necessary for the effective operation of both the oversight board and the independent police auditor, including an initial appropriation of $100,000?

Akron Issue 10Could police union block police reform efforts if Akron voters approve issue?

Issue 11 — Akron 2-L Local Liquor Option

Shall the sale of wine and mixed beverages, and spirituous liquor be permitted for sale on Sunday by North Hill Gameday Grille, L.L.C., an applicant for a D-6 liquor permit who is engaged in the business of operating a restaurant/bar at 1019 N. Main St.?

Issue 12 — Akron 6-F Local Liquor Option

Shall the sale of wine and mixed beverages be permitted for sale on Sunday by Ohio Springs Inc. d/b/a Sheetz 765 an applicant for a D-6 liquor permit who is engaged in the business of operating a convenience store at 2133 E. Waterloo Road?

Issue 13 — Akron 7-H Local Liquor Option

Shall the sale of wine and mixed beverages and spirituous liquor be permitted for sale on Sunday by Fraternal Order of Police Akron Lodge #7 an applicant for a D-6 liquor permit who is engaged in the business of operating a fraternal organization at 2610 Ley Drive & Patio?

Issue 14 — Akron 8-I Local Liquor Option

Shall the sale of wine and mixed beverages be permitted for sale on Sunday by Mac’s Convenience Stores, LLC DBA: Circle K 5604 an applicant for a D-6 liquor permit who is engaged in the business of operating family-oriented, full-service convenience stores at 1985 W. Market St. & Drive Thru?

Issue 15 — Akron 9-B Local Liquor Option

Shall the sale of wine and mixed beverages, and spirituous liquor be permitted for sale on Sunday by Neabar, Inc., dba Gatsby’s North an applicant for a D-6 liquor permit who is engaged in the business of a bar/restaurant at 2500 Romig Road & Patio?

Issue 16 — Barberton police

New tax levy: An additional tax for the benefit of the city of Barberton for the purpose of the acquisition, construction, improvement, or maintenance of buildings, equipment, and supplies for police at a rate not exceeding 0.75 mill. The annual new cost per $100,000 of assessed property value would be $26.

Issue 17 — Barberton 1A - Local Liquor Option

Shall the sale of spiritous liquor be permitted by Magic City’s Remarkable Diner an applicant for a D-6 liquor permit who is engaged in the business of a diner at 451 Fairview Ave, Barberton, OH, 44203, in this precinct?

Issue 18 — Barberton 1A Local Liquor Option (#2)

Shall the sale of spirituous liquor be permitted for sale on Sunday by Magic City’s Remarkable Diner an applicant for a D-6 liquor permit who is engaged in the business of a breakfast & lunch diner at 451 Fairview Ave, Barberton, OH 44203 in this precinct?

Issue 19 — Barberton 4-A Local Liquor Option

Shall the sale of wine and mixed beverages/spirituous liquor be permitted for sale on Sunday by Sassy Dog LLC an applicant for a D-6 liquor permit who is engaged in the business of a tavern/bar/restaurant at 105 2nd St. NW?

Issue 20 — Cuyahoga Falls, Precinct 5-E, liquor option

Shall the sale of wine and mixed beverages and spirituous liquor be permitted for sale on Sunday by First Watch Restaurants, Inc. a holder of a D-5i liquor permit and applicant for a D-6 liquor permit, who is engaged in the business of a restaurant at 2051 Portage Trail?

Issue 21 — Munroe Falls Charter Amendment

Shall the charter of the city of Munroe Falls, Article V, Council, be amended to authorize public bodies of the municipality to hold virtual meetings when the public body determines, by assent of at least two-thirds of its members, that meeting virtually is necessary due to either a public health emergency or an emergency caused by inclement weather, and that such meetings shall continue to be open to the public in accordance with ordinance?

Issue 22 — Munroe Falls Charter Amendment (#2)

Shall the charter of the city of Munroe Falls, Article IX, Department of Public Safety, Section 9.04 (b) Division of Fire, be amended to read as follows: SECTION 9.04 DIVISION OF FIRE.(b) The Fire Chief shall have successfully completed at least the minimum required State Volunteer Firefighters Training, have knowledge and experience in fire suppression and prevention, have knowledge of Ohio and local fire codes be certified by the State Board of Emergency Medical, Fire, and Transportation Services in accordance with Section 4765.55 of the Ohio Revised Code to the State of Ohio’s minimum requirement for the levels of Firefighter II as set forth in the Standards for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, for the level of Fire Safety Inspector as set forth in the Standard for Professional Qualifications for Fire Inspector and Plan Examiner, for the level of Fire Service Instructor, and in accordance with Section 4765.30 of the Ohio Revised Code to the State of Ohio’s minimum requirements for the level of Paramedic, and for the level of EMS Instructor, and have the ability to supervise subordinates and fire department functions.

Issue 23 — Munroe Falls Charter Amendment (#3)

Shall the charter of the city of Munroe Falls, Article XI, Parks and Recreation, Section 11.01, "Organization," be amended to reduce the number of members of the Parks and Recreation Board from 9 (nine) to 7 (seven) and provide for the appointment by the mayor of four (4) electors to the Parks and Recreation Board, subject to Council confirmation, for a three-year term beginning January 1, 2023, and for the appointment by the mayor of three (3) electors to the Parks and Recreation Board, subject to Council confirmation, for a three-year term, beginning January 1, 2024?

Issue 24 — Norton Charter Amendment

Shall Article VIII, Section 8.02 of the charter of the city of Norton, Ohio be changed and amended to read as follows: SECTION 8.02 PRIMARY ELECTIONS: In the event it is necessary to hold a primary election, such nonpartisan primary election shall be held in the Municipality on the first Tuesday in May prior to such Municipal election. Those persons receiving the highest vote totals, and equal in number to twice the number offices for which such election is held, shall be designated candidates for such office, subject to applicable provisions of this charter.

Issue 25 — Stow Charter Amendment (by petition)

Shall Section 21.08 “TERM LIMITS FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS” of Article XXI “GENERAL PROVISIONS” of the Charter of the City of Stow be amended to read as follows: With the exception of completing an unexpired term the Mayor, Finance Director and Law Director and shall serve no more than two consecutive four-year terms in the same elected office and no more than a total of ten consecutive years. Any elected person disqualified from holding public office due to the aforementioned term limitation shall become eligible to hold the same public office upon the expiration of two years. No member of Council shall serve more than eight consecutive years in the same electedoffice or serve more than four consecutive two year terms in the same elected office for the City Council, Ward or At-Large. For the purpose of this section, the office of ward councilperson and the office of at-large councilperson shall be considered the same public office. Any elected person disqualified from holding public office due to theaforementioned term limitation shall become eligible to hold the same public office upon the expiration of two years

Issue 26 — Stow Charter Amendment

Shall Section 21.08, Term Limits for Elected Officials, of the Charter of the City of Stow be amended to read as follows (language to be added is in bold): SECTION 21.08 TERM LIMITS FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS. Commencing with the term of January 2, 2012 no elected official shall serve more than eight consecutive years in the same elected office or be elected to more than two consecutives four year terms in the same elected office for the offices of Mayor, Finance Director and Law Director and no more than four consecutive two year terms in the same elected office for the offices of City Council, Ward or At-Large. For the purpose of this section, the office of ward councilperson and the office of at-large councilperson shall be considered the same public office. Any elected person who is disqualified from holding public office due to the term limitation shall become eligible to hold the same public office upon the expiration of two years. Any elected official who is appointed or elected to serve an unexpired term, and the unexpired term is less than or equal to half of the standard term for said office, the unexpired term shall not count towards the term limit referenced in this section. Any elected official running for a full term or unexpired term that they would be unable to complete due to the term limits referenced in this section shall be ineligible to run for said office.

Issue 27 — Stow Charter Amendment

Shall Article XXII “BUDGETING PROCEDURES” of the Charter of the City of Stow be established (as listed below): ARTICLE XXII BUDGETING PROCEDURES SECTION 22.01 GENERAL. The laws of the State of Ohio relating generally to budgets, appropriations, taxation, debts, bonds, assessments, deposit and investment of funds and other fiscal matters of the City shall be applicable except as otherwise provided by this Charter or by City Council, hereinafter called the Council.

SECTION 22.02 OPERATING BUDGET. (a) PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION. The mayor, with the assistance of the Department of Finance, shall prepare and submit to the Council an operating budget in accordance with the annual budget calendar as established by the Council. (b) PROVISIONS AND FORM. The operating budget shall provide a complete financial plan of all City funds and activities for the ensuing annual period, and except to the extent required by law or this Charter shall be in a form acceptable to the Council.(c) COUNCIL ACTION. The Council shall adopt by resolution the operating budget with or without amendments on or before the date of submission of the annual appropriations ordinance in accordance with the annual budget calendar as established by the Council. SECTION 22.03 CAPITAL PROGRAM.(a) PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION. The mayor, with the assistance of the Department of Finance, shall prepare and submit to the Council a five-year capital improvement plan in accordance with the annual budget calendar as established by the Council.(b) PROVISIONS AND FORM. The capital improvement plan shall provide a complete capital plan showing the City’s capital priorities and needs for the ensuing five-year period, except to the extent required by law or this Charter shall be in a form acceptable to the Council.(c) COUNCIL ACTION. The Council shall by resolution adopt the capital improvement plan with or without amendments and on or before the date of submission of the annual appropriations ordinance in accordance with the annual budget calendar as established by the Council. SECTION 22.04 ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS. To implement the adopted operating budget and capital improvement plan, the Council shall adopt with or without amendments for the ensuing year, an appropriations ordinance. The appropriations ordinance shall authorize an appropriation for each program and/or activity by department and shall be adopted on or before the last working day in December of every year.

Issue 28 — Twinsburg zoning amendment

No information has been published by the Summit County Board of Elections.

Issue 29 — Mogadore Charter Amendment

Shall Section 10.01 of the Charter of the Village of Mogadore be amended, effective January 1, 2023, to remove the requirement that one member of the Board of Zoning Appeals be a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission and replace it with the requirement that one member of the Board of Zoning Appeals be a member of council, who will serve for the remainder of his/her term on council and, in the case of a vacancy of that member, the vacancy shall be filled by council appointing a different member of council to serve for the remainder of his/her term on council?

Issue 30 — Mogadore Charter Amendment

Shall Section 4.02 of the Charter of the Village of Mogadore be amended, effective January 1, 2023, to prevent the Mayor from holding any other elective office, public office, or any other employment with any other local, state, or federal government body, except volunteer positions with any political subdivision for which he or she receives no compensation?

Issue 31 — Silver Lake Charter Amendment

Shall the Charter of the Village of Silver Lake be amended to read as follows: ARTICLE III DEPARTMENT OF LAWSECTION 8.01. DIRECTOR OF LAW The Director of Law shall be appointed by the Mayor with the concurrence of a majority of the members of Council. The Director of Law shall be an attorney at law, admitted to the practice of law in the State of Ohio, but need not be a resident of this village. The Director of Law shall be adviser of and attorney and counsel for the village and for all officers and divisions thereof in all matters relating to their official duties and shall, when requested, give legal opinions in writing. The Director of Law shall represent the village in all suits or cases in which it may be a party and shall prosecute for all offenses against the ordinances of the village and such offenses against the laws of Ohio as may be required of them. The Director of Law shall on request of the Mayor prepare contracts, legislation, bonds, and other instruments in writing in which the Village is concerned and shall endorse on each their approval of the form and correctness thereof. The Director of Law shall perform such other duties as the Mayor or Council may impose upon them consistent with their office.

Issue 32 — Copley Township

Bond issue (Additional): Shall bonds be issued by Copley Township for the purpose of constructing, furnishing and equipping a new township safety facility and clearing, improving, equipping and improving access to its site and otherwise renovating and improving existing township safety facilities and improving and equipping their sites in the principal amount of $20.5 million to be repaid annually over a maximum period of 26 years, and an annual levy of property taxes of 2.11 mills? The annual new cost per $100,000 of assessed property value would be $74.

Issue 33 — Copley Township

Resolution by petition: Shall the township of Copley adopt a limited home rule form of township government, under which form the board of township trustees, by resolution, may exercise limited powers of local self-government and limited police powers?

Issue 34 — Coventry Township

Tax levy: A replacement of 0.5 mill of an existing levy and an increase of 0.25 mill, to constitute a tax for the benefit of Coventry Township for the purpose of purchasing, appropriating, operating, maintaining, and improving lands for parks or recreational purposes at a rate not exceeding 0.75 mills. The annual cost per $100,000 of assessed property value would be $26.

Issue 35 — Northfield Center Township

Tax levy: An additional tax for the benefit of Northfield Center Township for the purpose of providing fire equipment, for the payment of firefighting companies, for the purchase of ambulance equipment, for the provision of ambulance, paramedic and other emergency medical services operated by a fire department or firefighting company at a rate not exceeding 2 mills for a continuing period of time. The new annual cost per $100,000 of assessed property value would be $70.

Issue 36 — Northfield Center Township

Tax levy: A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Northfield Center Township for the purpose of general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing and repair of streets and roads at a rate not exceeding 2.78 mills for 5 years. The annual cost per $100,000 of assessed property value would remain $30.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Summit County 2022 Election: Here are the issues on your ballot