Voter Guide: Here are the 40 issues on Summit County ballots Nov. 7

Welcome to the 2023 Voter Guide produced by the League of Women Voters and Akron Beacon Journal with funding from the Knight Foundation.

There are 40 issues on Summit County ballots Nov. 7, including two statewide proposals and one countywide tax issue.

Below is a brief summary of each issue, including the cost.

Early voting is taking place until Nov. 5 at the Summit County Board of Elections Early Vote Center, 500 Grant St., Akron.

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2023 Election: Summit County Voter Guide

Issue 1: Ohio constitutional amendment

Be it Resolved by the People of the State of Ohio that Article I of the Ohio Constitution is amended to add the following Section: Article I, Section 22. The Right to Reproductive Freedom with Protections for Health and Safety.

Issue 1: Here's the text of reproductive rights amendment

Issue 2: Ohio law for recreational marijuana

If approved by voters, the initiated statute, titled An Act to Control and Regulate Adult Use Cannabis (the “Act”), would legalize and regulate the cultivation, manufacturing, and sale of marijuana in Ohio for adults who are at least 21 years old. Pursuant to the Act, Ohio residents would be permitted to cultivate up to six marijuana plants at their primary residence, with a maximum of twelve plants per residence where two or more persons who are at least 21 reside, and marijuana sales would be subject to a 10% adult-use tax, in addition to the traditional sales tax.

Issue 2: Read the complete ballot issue

Issue 3: Bath Twp. tax levy

Replacement and increase: A replacement of 0.75 mill of an existing levy and an increase of 0.35 mill to constitute a tax forthe benefit of Bath Township for the purpose of purchasing, appropriating, operating,maintaining and improving lands for parks or recreational purposes in the Bath Township Parks system and facilities that the county fiscal officer estimates will collect $688,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 1.1 mills which amounts to $39 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2024, first due in 2025.

Issue 4: Copley Twp. K liquor option

Shall the sale of wine and mixed beverages and spiritous liquor be permitted for sale on Sunday by 1840 Manor House LLC an applicant for a D-5 and D-6 liquor permit who is engaged in the business of a private events venue at 804 White Pond Drive?

Issue 5: Coventry Twp. replacement levy

A replacement of a tax for the benefit of Coventry Township for the purpose of purchasing, appropriating, operating, maintaining, and improving lands for parks or recreational purposes that the county fiscal officer estimates will collect $141,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 0.5 mill, which amounts to $18 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2023, first due in 2024.

Issue 6: Northfield Center Twp. new tax levy

An additional tax for the benefit of Northfield Center Township for the purpose of the payment of costs incurred by the Township as a result of contracts made with other political subdivisions in order to obtain police protection, and for the payment of other related costs that the county fiscal officer estimates will collect $544,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 3 mills, which amounts to $105 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2023, first due in 2024.

Issue 7: Springfield Twp. tax levy

Replacement and increase: A replacement of 1.5 mills of an existing levy and an increase of 0.5 mill to constitute a tax for the benefit of Springfield Township for the purpose of general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing, and repair of streets, roads, and bridges that the county fiscal officer estimates will collect $649,000 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 fiscal officer’s appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2024, first due in calendar year 2025.

Issue 8: Aurora schools new tax levy

An additional tax for the benefit of 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 2024.

Issue 9: Hudson schools new tax levy

An additional tax for the benefit of the Hudson City School District for current expenses that the county fiscal officer estimates will collect $7.2 million annually, at a rate not exceeding 5.5 mills, which amounts to $193 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2023, first due in 2024.

Issue 10: Tallmadge schools renewal levy

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 will continue to cost $227 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for a continuing period of time,commencing in 2024, first due in 2025.

Issue 11: Tallmadge schools renewal levy

Shall 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 $2.9 million and to average 5.61 mills, which will continue to cost $172 for each $100,000 of appraised value for a period of 10 years, commencing in 2024, first due in 2025?

Issue 12: Twinsburg schools new tax levy

Shall a levy be imposed by the Twinsburg City School District for the purpose of providing for emergency requirements in the sum of $6.2 million to average 5.9 mills, which amounts to $207 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for a period of 10 years, commencing in 2023, first due in 2024?

Issue 13: Jackson schools renewal levy

Shall a levy renewing an existing levy be imposed by the Jackson Local School District for the purpose of providing for emergency requirements of the school district in the sum of $6.1 million and a levy of taxes to average 3.3 mills, which will continue to amount to $101 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for a period of 10 years, commencing in 2024, first due in 2025?

Issue 14: 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 2024.

Issue 15: Springfield schools tax levy

Shall a levy be imposed by the Springfield Local School District for the purpose of providing for the emergency requirements of the Springfield Local School District in the sum of $1.7 million 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 2024?

Issue 16: Richfield Recreation District

A replacement of a tax for the benefit of the Richfield Joint Recreation District for the purposes of parks and recreation, including acquiring, maintaining and operating recreational facilities and community centers that the county fiscal officer estimates will collect $219,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 0.5 mill, which amounts to $18 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for 10 years, commencing in 2024, first due in 2025.

Issue 17: Summit DD tax levy

A replacement a tax for the benefit of the Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board for the purpose of providing community developmental disabilities programs and services for the benefit of children and adults that the county fiscal officer estimates will collect $66.1 million annually, at a rate not exceeding 4.5 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $158 for each $100,000 of the county fiscal officer’s appraised value, for 6 years, commencing in 2024, first due in 2025.

Issue 18: Akron 2-I liquor option

Shall the sale of wine and mixed beverages be permitted for sale on Sunday by DeVitis & Sons, Inc. an applicant for a D-6 liquor permit who is engaged in the business of operating a family owned Italian market at 560 E. Tallmadge Ave.?

Issue 19: Akron 3-B liquor option

Shall the sale of beer, wine and mixed beverages be permitted by New Copley Services, L.L.C., dba New Copley Services (New Copley Mini Mart) an applicant for a C1, C2 liquor permit, who is engaged in the business of operating a carryout/grocery store at 853 Copley Road?

Issue 20: Akron 3-B liquor option

Shall the sale of wine and mixed beverages be permitted for sale on Sunday by New Copley Services, L.L.C., dba New Copley Services (New Copley Mini Mart) an applicant for a D-6 liquor permit who is engaged in the business of operating a carryout/grocery store at 853 Copley Road?

Issue 21: Akron 9-J liquor option

Shall the sale of wine and mixed beverages and spirituous liquor be permitted for sale on Sunday by Diamond Retail LLC, DBA More Than A Convenient Mkt, also known as More Than A Convenient Market an applicant for a D-6 liquor permit who is engaged in the business of operating a grocery store at 666 Carnegie Ave, Suite L?

Issue 22: Cuyahoga Falls 8-C liquor option

Shall the sale of spirituous liquor be permitted for sale on Sunday by Clutch Lanes & Sports Center LLC a D-5 permit holder wanting to apply for a D-6 permit who is engaged in the business of bowling/sand volleyball, food & beverage at 4190 State Road?

Issue 23: Green liquor option

Shall the sale of wine and mixed beverages be permitted for sale on Sunday by Bell Stores, Inc., dba 619 24 an applicant for a D-6 liquor permit who is engaged in the business of operating a carryout/grocery store at 2361 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Road?

Issue 24: Macedonia charter amendment

Shall the charter of the city of Macedonia be amended so as to change the composition of the City Board of Zoning and Building Code Appeals by allowing for up to two alternate members to be appointed by the mayor or his/her designee to serve on the Board in the event a regular member is unavailable?

Issue 25: Macedonia charter amendment

Shall the Charter of the City of Macedonia be amended by reorganizing Article XIII to reflect the current organization and operation of the Parks and Recreation Department and Parks and Recreation Commission?

Issue 26: Macedonia charter amendment

Shall the Charter of the City of Macedonia be amended to clarify the full-time employees within the City's Police and Fire Departments that are members of the classified civil service?

Issue 27: Reminderville tax levy

A replacement of a tax for the benefit of the city of Reminderville for the purpose of general construction, reconstruction, and repair of streets, roads, and bridges within the city of Reminderville that the county fiscal officer estimates will collect $469,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 3 mills, which amounts to $105 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2023, first due in 2024.

Issue 28: Stow charter amendment

Shall Section 21.09 “TRANSPARENCY IN GOVERNMENT” of Article XXI “GENERAL PROVISIONS” of the Charter of the City of Stow be established (as listed below): ARTICLE XXI GENERAL PROVISIONS. SECTION 21.09 TRANSPARENCY IN GOVERNMENT. As of January 1, 2024, all meetings of municipal bodies, including City Council, and all City Boards, Commissions, and Committees (chartered or codified) shall commence live public broadcasting and recording of all their public meetings. “Live public broadcasting” means the live audio and video transmission of a public meeting over the internet in its entirety, without editing. Public meetings or portions of public meetings that by law are held in executive session shall be exempt from the requirements of this section. Municipal bodies shall remain responsible for determining the time and place of their meetings so long as they remain in compliance with the requirements of this section.

Issue 29: Stow charter amendment

Shall Section 3.08 “STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS” of Article III “MAYOR” of the Charter of the City of Stow be established (as listed below): ARTICLE III MAYOR. SECTION 3.08 STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS. The Mayor shall provide the City of Stow Council members and the city residents with a “State of the City Address” on an annual basis to be held at the first regularly scheduled meeting of Council in March of each year. A written copy of the address shall be provided to the Clerk of Council on or before the meeting date.

Issue 30: Stow charter amendment

Shall Section 4.05 “CLERK OF COUNCIL” of Article IV “THE COUNCIL” of the Charter of the City of Stow be stricken and rewritten (language to be stricken through and language to be amended or added is bolded): ARTICLE IV THE COUNCIL. SECTION 4.05 CLERK OF COUNCIL. A Clerk of Council shall be appointed by, and may be removed by, Council. The Clerk’s office shall be in City Hall, adjacent to the Council Chambers and the Clerk shall devote the time and effort as determined by Council during business hours, and such other times as are necessary, to properly conduct the business of City Council. The Clerk of Council shall keep an accurate and complete journal of all proceedings of Council, authenticate by his/her signature and have custody of all laws, ordinances, and resolutions of Council, have custody of all official documents, reports, papers, communications, and files of Council, and perform such other duties as Council shall require. During the absence or disability of the Clerk of Council, Council shall appoint someone to perform all the duties of that office.

Issue 31: Twinsburg charter amendment

Shall the proposed revisions to Article III, Section 3.02, of the Charter of Twinsburg related to drawing Council ward boundaries based on U.S. Census population data in order to reflect equal population across Council wards, as recommended by the 2023 Twinsburg Charter Review Commission, be adopted?

Issue 32: Twinsburg charter amendment

Shall the proposed revisions to Article IV, Section 4.04, of the Charter of Twinsburg related to the manner in which a mid-term vacancy in the office of Mayor is filled, as recommended by the 2023 Twinsburg Charter Review Commission, be adopted?

Issue 33: Twinsburg charter amendment

Shall the proposed revision to Article VI, Section 6.03 of the Charter of Twinsburg related to permitting the city to advertise electronically for contract bids as well as permitting the City to enter into contracts without advertising for bids for professional services contracts or for contracts made through either another political subdivision’s contract or a joint purchasing program, as recommended by the 2023 Twinsburg Charter Review Commission, be adopted?

Issue 34: Twinsburg charter amendment

Shall the proposed amendments to Article VII, Sections 7.01, 7.04, and 7.04A of the Charter of Twinsburg related to dividing the Department of Public Works into a Department of Service and Department of Wastewater Treatment as well as amending the length of time in which vacancies for mid-term appointments to the Charter Review Commission or Districting Commission are publicly noticed, as recommended by the 2023 Twinsburg Charter Review Commission, be adopted?

Issue 35: Twinsburg charter amendment

Shall the proposed revisions to Article VII, Section 7.05 of the Charter of Twinsburg related to amending Civil Service Commission Member term length to three (3) years, updating the list of City employees identified as members of the unclassified civil service, and creating a non-competitive, classified service group of police officers, firefighter/paramedics, and dispatchers with previous public safety experience, as recommended by the 2023 Twinsburg Charter Review Commission, be adopted?

Issue 36: Twinsburg charter amendment

Shall the proposed revision to Article XII, Section 12.04 of the Charter of Twinsburg related to permitting the city to advertise either electronically on the city website or other electronic mediums in lieu of posting notification in a newspaper of general circulation, as recommended by the 2023 Twinsburg Charter Review Commission, be adopted?

Issue 37: Twinsburg charter amendment

Shall the proposed amendments to Sections 7.07, 7.08, 7.09, 7.10, 7.11 and 7A.04 of the Charter of Twinsburg, as recommended by the 2023 Twinsburg Charter Review Commission, be adopted?

Issue 38: Twinsburg zoning amendment

Shall Ordinance 60-2023 (as amended June 27, 2023) amending Sections 1148.10 and 1151.05 for the purpose of permitting Child Day Care Facilities in the C-5 Mixed Residence/Business District be approved?

Issue 39: Boston Heights renewal levy

A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the village of Boston Heights for the purpose of the payment of firefighting companies or permanent, part-time, or volunteer firefighting, emergency medical service, administrative, or communications personnel, that the county fiscal officer estimates will collect $64,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 0.75 mill, which amounts to $20 for each $100,000 of appraised value, for 3 years, commencing in 2024, first due in 2025.

Issue 40: Boston Heights renewal levy

A renewal of a tax for the benefit of the village of Boston Heights for the purpose of providing and maintaining fire apparatus, appliances, buildings and sites in and for the Village of Boston Heights under Section 5705.19(I) of the Ohio Revised Code that the county fiscal officer estimates will collect $43,000 annually, at a rate not exceeding 0.5 mill, which amounts to $13 for each $100,000 of the appraised value, for 5 years, commencing in 2024, first due in 2025.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Voter Guide: 40 issues on Summit County ballots