From family services to transportation, school emergency funding to disability programs, there’s a lot at stake in Tuesday’s election.
Here’s what you need to know about the issues on your Hamilton County ballot before you head to the polls.
Issue 12 - Cincinnati School District levy
On Tuesday, you'll vote whether to renew an existing levy for emergency requirements for Cincinnati public schools.
The 1.006% tax levy on Hamilton County residents will push roughly $65.1 million into this emergency requirement funding over ten years, starting in 2021.
The levy has already been renewed three times, and its a tax CPS officials say is necessary to avoid staff and program cuts. Critics say a ten-year renewal rather than a five-year renewal takes away voter oversight.
More on Issue 12: CPS asks voters to renew levy for 10 years
Issue 22 - Transit system levy
For the first time in nearly two decades, Issue 22 asks voters whether to repeal 0.3% of a 2.1% earnings tax that helps fund Cincinnati Metro.
Why a cut? The ballot measure is written so that the repeal would only go into effect if voters approve a proposed sales tax increase in 2020 to replace local funding for Metro.
More on Issue 22: What it is, and what some say it will mean for Cincinnati transit
Issue 20 - Family Services and Treatment levy
This levy isn’t new, either - Hamilton County voters renewed it in 2014. This tax supports county services provided by Talbert House, Prevention First and Cincinnati Union Bethel's Off The Streets programming.
The levy equates to a little over 3 cents for every $100 of valuation, and the renewal lasts until 2025.
Issue 21 - Developmental Disabilities levy
This 0.41% tax levy went into effect in 2015, and it provides funds for the county’s developmental disabilities programs.
This includes costs to maintain schools, clinics, workshops, residential facilities and other county services for those with disabilities. The levy renewal lasts five years.
Other tax levies and issues
School Districts
• Finneytown (2)
• Forest Hills
• Loveland (3)
• Northwest
• Princeton
• Sycamore
Cities and Villages
• Addyston (Fire/EMS)
• Arlington Heights (Current Expense)
• Cheviot (Current Expense)
• Cleves (Fire/EMS)
• Golf Manor (Current Expense)
• Greenhills (Road Improvement)
• Harrison (Fire/EMS)
• Lincoln Heights (Current Expense)
• Milford (Fire/EMS)
• North Bend (2 - Fire/EMS and Public Safety)
• North College Hill (Senior Citizen)
• Woodlawn (Fire/EMS)
Townships
• Miami Township (2- Fire and EMS)
Special Districts
• Hilltop Joint Fire & Rescue
For a sample ballot for your voting precinct, click here.
Property owners: Here's how to find out how much levies and issues will cost you. Go to hamiltoncountyauditor.organd click on the "Property Search" box at the top left. Once you’ve found your property parcel page, click on “Levy Information” in the right column.
