Portage County Voter Guide 2023: Here are the 33 issues on Nov. 7 ballot

Ravenna Record-Courier
·16 min read

Welcome to the 2023 Voter Guide produced by the League of Women Voters and published by the Record-Courier.

This article lists the issues appearing on ballots across Portage County on Nov. 7.

Early voting is taking place at the Portage County Board of Elections, 449 S. Meridian St. Ravenna, through Nov. 5.

Issue 1 - statewide

The following is the official ballot language:

  • Establish in the Constitution of the State of Ohio an individual right to one's own reproductive medical treatment, including but not limited to abortion;

  • Create legal protections for any person or entity that assists a person with receiving reproductive medical treatment, including but not limited to abortion;

  • Prohibit the State from directly or indirectly burdening, penalizing, or prohibiting abortion before an unborn child is determined to be viable, unless the State demonstrates that it is using the least restrictive means;

  • Grant a pregnant woman's treating physician the authority to determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether an unborn child is viable;

  • Only allow the State to prohibit an abortion after an unborn child is determined by a pregnant woman's treating physician to be viable and only if the physician does not consider the abortion necessary to protect the pregnant woman's life or health; and

  • Always allow an unborn child to be aborted at any stage of pregnancy, regardless of viability if, in the treating physician's determination, the abortion is necessary to protect the pregnant woman's life or health.

If passed, the amendment will become effective 30 days after the election.

Issue 2 - statewide

The following is the official ballot language:

To Commercialize, Regulate, Legalize, and Tax the Adult Use of Cannabis

  • Define adult use cannabis to mean marijuana as defined in Section 3719.01 of the Revised Code and establish the Division of Cannabis Control (the "Division") within the Department of Commerce;

  • Authorize the Division to regulate, investigate, and penalize adult use cannabis operators, adult use testing laboratories, and individuals required to be licensed;

  • Legalize and regulate the cultivation, processing, sale, purchase, possession, home grow, and use of cannabis by adults at least twenty-one years of age;

  • Create additional protections for individuals who engage in permitted adult use cannabis conduct;

  • Establish the cannabis social equity and jobs program and require the Department of Development to certify program applicants based on social and economic disadvantage;

  • Define "social disadvantage" to include membership in a racial or ethnic minority group, disability status, gender, or long-term residence in an area of high unemployment;

  • Shield certain confidential information from disclosure to the public, including but not limited to any information reported to or collected by the Division that identifies or would tend to identify any adult use cannabis consumer and prohibit the Department of Development from releasing certain application information as public records;

  • Require the Division to provide preferential treatment to applicants who have qualified for the cannabis social equity and jobs program based on social disadvantage when issuing level III adult use cannabis cultivator licenses and dispensary licenses;

  • Prohibit certain local government entities from limiting specific research, levying a tax, or charge on adult use operations, their owner, or their property not generally charged on other business, and prohibit certain local government entities from prohibiting or limiting adult use cannabis home grow or prohibiting or restricting an activity authorized by the proposed law;

  • Authorize a landlord or an employer to prohibit the adult use of cannabis in certain circumstances, and prohibit the operation of a motor vehicle while using or under the influence of adult use cannabis and from using any other combustible adult use cannabis while a passenger in a motor vehicle;

  • Limit criminal liability for certain financial institutions that provide financial services to any lawful adult use cannabis operator or testing laboratory licensed under the proposed law;

  • Require the Division to enter into an agreement with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to create a program for cannabis addiction services;

  • Provide for the creation of five funds in the state treasury: the adult use tax fund; the cannabis social equity and jobs fund; the host community cannabis fund; the substance abuse and addiction fund; and the division of cannabis control and tax commissioner fund; and

  • Provide for taxation of 10 percent on the sale of adult use cannabis by dispensaries in addition to usual sales taxes and require that all monies collected from the 10 percent tax levied to be deposited into the adult use tax fund and quarterly distributed as follows: 36 percent to the cannabis social equity and jobs fund; 36 percent to the host community cannabis facilities fund; 25 percent to the substance abuse and addiction fund; and three percent to the division of cannabis control and tax commission fund.

If passed, the law will become effective 30 days after the election.

Issue 3 - Atwater Twp. fire levy renewal

A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Atwater Township for the purpose of providing and maintaining fire and EMS services at a rate not exceeding 2.9 mills for 5 years. The county auditor estimates it will collect $156,000 annually which amounts to $74 for each $100,000 of the appraised value commencing in 2024, first due in calendar year 2025.

Issue 4 - Liquor Option - Atwater Twp. B

Shall the sale of spirituous liquor be permitted for sale on Sunday by Atwatermex Properties LLC a D1, D2, D3 holder who is engaged in the business of restaurant & bar at 1312 SR 183 & Patio Atwater, 44201 in this precinct?

Issue 5 — Charlestown Twp. levy renewal

A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Charlestown Township for the purpose of current expenses that the county auditor estimates will collect $17,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 1.5 mills, which amounts to $18 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2023, first due in calendar year 2024.

Issue 6 - Charlestown Twp. levy renewal

A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Charlestown Township for the purpose of current expenses that the county auditor estimates will collect $8,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 0.7 mill for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $8 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2023, first due in calendar year 2024.

Issue 7 - Liquor Option Deerfield Twp. B

Shall the sale of beer; wine and mixed beverages; spirituous liquor be permitted by Cove W LLC DBA Cove W Winery Pavilion & Grassy Area, an applicant for an A-1-A liquor permit, who is engaged in the business of Winery and Brew Pub at 820 SR 14, Unit B, in this precinct?

Issue 8 - Liquor Option Deerfield Twp. B

Shall the sale of beer; wine and mixed beverages; spirituous liquor be permitted for sale on Sunday by Cove W LLC DBA Cove W Winery Pavilion & Grassy Area an applicant for an A-1-A liquor permit; holder of A-1-C; holder of A-2 who is engaged in the business of Winery and Brew Pub at 820 SR 14, Unit B, in this precinct?

Issue 9 - Franklin Twp. levy renewal

A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Franklin Township for the purpose of general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and repair of streets, roads, and bridges in Franklin Township that the county auditor estimates will collect $348,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 2 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $58 for each $100,000 of the county auditor's appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2023, first due in calendar year 2024.

Issue 10 - Hiram Township replacement levy

A replacement of a tax for the benefit of Hiram Township for the purpose of general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and repair of streets, roads, and bridges that the county auditor estimates will collect $172,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 2 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $70 for each $100,000 of the county auditor's appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2023, first due in calendar year 2024.

Issue 11 - Hiram Twp. replacement fire levy

A replacement of a tax for the benefit of Hiram Township for the purpose of providing and maintaining fire and EMS service that the county auditor estimates will collect $172,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 2 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $70 for each $100,000 of the county auditor's appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2023, first due in calendar year 2024.

Issue 12 - Palmyra Twp. fire renewal levy

A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Palmyra Township for the purpose of providing and maintaining fire and EMS services that the county auditor estimates will collect $58,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 1 mill for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $24 for each $100,000 of the county auditor's appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2024, first due in calendar year 2025.

Issue 13 - Randolph Twp. replacement, increase

A replacement of 2 mills of an existing levy and an increase of 1 mill to constitute a tax for the benefit of Randolph Township for the purpose of providing ambulance service, emergency medical service, or both that the county auditor estimates will collect $442,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 3 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $105 for each $100,000 of the county auditor's appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2024, first due in calendar year 2025.

Issue 14 - Liquor Option - Suffield Twp. C

Shall the sale of beer, wine and mixed beverages and spirituous liquor be permitted for sale on Sunday by Crafted Artisan Meadery LLC d/b/a Crafted Artisan Meadery an applicant for a D-6 liquor permit who is engaged in the business of operating a family-owned craft meadery at 1292 Waterloo Road, Mogadore, in this precinct?

Issue 15 - Aurora schools tax levy

An additional tax for the benefit of the Aurora City School District for the purpose of current operating expenses that the county auditor estimates will collect $5.1 million annually, at a rate not exceeding 5.9 mills, which amounts to $207 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2023, first due in calendar year 2024.

Issue 16 - Ravenna schools tax levy

An additional tax for the benefit of the Ravenna City School District for the purpose of current expenses that the county auditor estimates will collect $2.67 million annually, at a rate not exceeding 6.9 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $242 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2023, first due in calendar year 2024.

Issue 17 - Streetsboro schools renewal levy

A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the Streetsboro City School District for the purpose of current operating expenses that the county auditor estimates will collect $4.7 million annually, at a rate not exceeding 9 mills, which amounts to $272 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2024, first due in calendar year 2025.

Issue 18 - Tallmadge schools renewal

A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the Tallmadge City School District for the purpose of current expenses that the county fiscal officer estimates will collect $3.3 million annually, at a rate not exceeding 7.4 mills, which amounts to $227 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2024, first due in calendar year 2025.

Issue 19 - Tallmadge schools renewal

A levy renewing an existing levy be imposed by the Tallmadge City School District for the purpose of providing for the emergency requirements of the school district in the sum of $2,867,000 and a levy of taxes to be made outside of the 10-mill limitation estimated by the county fiscal officer to average 5.61 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $172 for each $100,000 of the county fiscal officer's appraised value for a period of 10 years, commencing in 2024, first due in calendar year 2025.

Issue 20 - Crestwood schools renewal

A levy renewing an existing levy for Crestwood Local School District for the purpose of emergency requirements in the sum of $1.4 million estimated by the county auditor to average 3.56 mills, which amounts to $115 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for 4 years, commencing in 2024, first due in calendar year 2025,

Issue 21 - Field schools renewal

A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the Field Local School District for the purpose of current operating expenses at a rate not exceeding 10.75 mills and general ongoing permanent improvements at a rate not exceeding 1 mill, that the county auditor estimates will collect $5.6 million annually, at a combined rate not exceeding 11.75 mills, which amounts to $352 for each $100,000 of the county auditor's appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2024, first due in calendar year 2025.

Issue 22 - Field schools renewal

A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the Field Local School District for the purpose of current operating expenses that the county auditor estimates will collect $3 million annually, at a rate not exceeding 7.3 mills, which amounts to $179 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2024, first due in calendar year 2025.

Issue 23 - Lake schools tax levy

An additional tax for the benefit of Lake Local School District for the purpose of current expenses that the county auditor estimates will collect $6.3 million annually, at a rate not exceeding 9.9 mills, which amounts to $347 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2023, first due in calendar year 2024.

Issue 24 - Mogadore schools tax levy

An additional tax for the benefit of the Mogadore Local School District for the purpose of current expenses that the county fiscal officer estimates will collect $635,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 5.9 mills, which amounts to $207 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2023, first due in calendar year 2024.

Issue 25 - Rootstown schools renewal

A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the Rootstown Local School District for the purpose of general permanent improvements, including renovating, rehabilitating, adding to, furnishing, equipping, and otherwise improving school facilities that the county auditor estimates will collect $425,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 2.5 mills, which amounts to $47 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2024, first due in calendar year 2025.

Issue 26 — Southeast Local School District

This issue has been withdrawn.

Issue 27 - Springfield schools levy

Shall a levy be imposed by the Springfield Local School District for the purpose of providing for the emergency requirements in the sum of $1.7 million estimated by the county fiscal officer to average 3.77 mills, which amounts to $132 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for a period of 5 years, commencing in 2023, first due in calendar year 2024?

Issue 28 - Waterloo schools renewal

Shall a levy renewing an existing levy be imposed by the Waterloo Local School District for the purpose of avoiding an operating deficit in the sum of $940,000 and a levy of taxes to be made to average 4.39 mills, which amounts to $141 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2023, first due in calendar year 2024?

Issue 29 - Portage County Board of Developmental Disabilities

A renewal of two existing levies for the benefit of Portage County for the purpose of providing for the operation of community programs and services authorized by county boards of developmental disabilities that the county auditor estimates will collect $7 million annually, at a rate not exceeding 2.9 mills, which amounts to $47 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for 10 years, commencing in 2024, first due in calendar year 2025.

Issue 30 — Portage Mental Health and Recovery Board replacement

A replacement of a tax for the benefit of Portage County for the purpose of the operation of community addiction services providers and community mental health services providers and the acquisition, construction, renovation, financing, maintenance, and operation of alcohol and drug addiction facilities and mental health facilities by the Portage County Mental Health and Recovery Board that the county auditor estimates will collect $4.5 million annually, at a rate not exceeding 1 mill, which amounts to $35 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for 10 years, commencing in 2024, first due in calendar year 2025.

Issue 31 - Portage Park District replacement/new levy

A replacement and additional levy for the benefit of the Portage Park District for the purpose of (1) operating and maintaining a growing countywide park system, including Trail Lake Park, Towner's Woods Park, The Portage Hike and Bike Trail, Dix Park, Headwaters Trail, Seneca Ponds, Morgan Park, Shaw Woods; (2) developing new parks and trails and providing public education and recreation programs for all ages and abilities; and (3) protecting our rural character and drinking water quality by acquiring and conserving forests, streams, wetlands, and other natural areas that the county auditor estimates will collect $4.5 million annually, at a rate not exceeding 1 mill, which amounts to $35 for each $100,000 of the county auditor's appraised value, for 10 years, commencing in 2024, first due in calendar year 2025. An existing levy of 0.5 mill, which amounts to $13 for each $100,000 of the appraised value, expiring in 2023, will be cancelled and replaced upon passage of this levy.

Issue 32 - Liquor Option - Ravenna 4A

Shall the sale of wine and mixed beverages, and spirituous liquor be permitted for sale on Sunday by Justice Morgan, L.L.C., dba East Main Saloon (Bar 130) an applicant for a D-6 liquor permit, who is engaged in the business of operating a bar at 130 E. Main Street, 1st floor & basement & patio, in this precinct?

Issue 33 - Mantua levy renewal

A renewal of a tax for the benefit of Mantua Village for the purpose of general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and repair of streets, roads, and bridges that the county auditor estimates will collect $80,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 3.85 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $108 for each $100,000 of the county auditor's appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2024, first due in calendar year 2025.

Issue 34 - Sugar Bush Knolls replacement levy

A replacement of a tax for the benefit of Sugar Bush Knolls Village for the purpose of current expenses that the county auditor estimates will collect $80,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 8 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $280 for each $100,000 of the county auditor's appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2024, first due in calendar year 2025.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Portage County election issues: Here's what is on the Nov. 7 ballot