Richland Public Health, Richland County Children Services' renewal levies pass
Richland County voters showed their support for two renewal levies Tuesday at the polls ― for Richland Public Health and Richland County Children Services.
Richland Public Health's tax levy garnered 20,728 votes for the levy, with 14,938 votes against it, according to final, unofficial results provided Tuesday night by the Richland County Board of Elections.
Officials of Richland Public Health say a 10-year, 0.5-mill operating levy scheduled for renewal this year is needed to continue the expansion and growth of the department to make sure all residents are receiving excellent public health service.
The levy, to commence in 2024, will cost the owner of $100,000 home $17 a year, according to the Richland County Board of Elections. The Richland County Auditor's Office estimates the renewal levy will generate $1.9 million annually.
Richland Public Health Commissioner Julie Chaya had said the levy on the Tuesday's ballot was essential.
Richland County Children Services renewal passes
Richland County Children Services asked for the community's support to renew a 10-year, 1-mill property tax levy on the Nov. 7 ballot and voters came through for the agency.
The renewal levy had 23,938 votes for the levy and 15,065 votes against it, according to final, unofficial results provided Tuesday night by the Richland County Board of Elections.
"I am so excited that the levy passed," Nikki Harless, executive director of Richland County Children Services, said Wednesday.
“We are truly grateful for the Richland County residents that supported the agency and the work we do to keep children safe! The levy money will help us continue to provide in home supportive services for families and foster care and adoption services for children who need out of home care. I want to thank the community for continuing to make children’s safety and well being a priority in Richland County, she said.
Wednesday, Harless and staff from children services planned to serve a hot meal at lunchtime to people in need at the pavilion at Bowman and Fourth streets run by People Helping People of North Central Ohio. The agency signed up to give back to the community, officials at Richland County Children Services said. Caseworker Katie Craig organized the meal.
Harless said 61.67% is the largest percentage of yes votes that the agency have received for its levies since 1994 when a levy passed by 64%.
The levy will generate about $2.3 million annually. The levy was first approved in 1984 and is due to expire at the end of 2024.
"Our goal is to protect the family unit while establishing a safe environment for every child, protecting them from abuse and neglect," Brigitte Coles, community engagement specialist, told the News Journal earlier.
The renewal is not a new tax. Coles earlier pointed out that it is less than what you would pay for a cup of coffee. Passage of the renewal will cost the owner of a $100,000 home 8.5 cents per day, which averages out to about 60 cents per week and about $2.40 a month.
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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: RCCS renewal levy to generate about $2.3 million annually.
