Issue 10 - Operating Levy Renewal: What You Need to Know
The Bottom Line Up Front
Issue 10 is a renewal of an existing tax, not a new tax. If it passes, your taxes will NOT increase.
What is Issue 10?
Issue 10 is a renewal of Gates Mills’ 3.5 mill operating levy that funds basic village services. This levy has been in place since 2005 and comes up for renewal every five years.
Think of it like renewing your car registration - you’re not buying a new car, you’re just continuing to use the one you have.
What Does It Fund?
This levy supports the village’s day-to-day operations, including:
- Police and fire services
- Road maintenance
- Snow removal
- Village administration
- Parks and recreation
- All the essential services that keep Gates Mills running
Without this renewal, the village would need to find $616,491 annually from somewhere else or cut services significantly.
Why Do We Vote on This?
Ohio law requires operating levies to be renewed periodically by voters. Gates Mills actually has two separate 3.5 mill levies that were originally approved in 2005:
- One comes up for renewal in years ending in 4 (2019, 2024, etc.)
- One comes up for renewal in years ending in 5 (2020, 2025, etc.)
This structure was designed to “soften the blow” by spreading them across two years rather than renewing everything at once.
This year, you’re voting on the second levy from that pair.
What Happens If It Passes?
Your current tax rate stays the same
Village services continue uninterrupted
Everything continues as it has been
What Happens If It Fails?
The village loses $616,491 in annual revenue
Services would need to be cut or other funding sources found
This represents a significant portion of the village’s operating budget
Important Note: Your Tax Bill Won’t Go Up
Because this levy is based on property values from 2005, it actually generates the same dollar amount for the village regardless of how much your home has appreciated. As home values increase, the village does not collect additional revenue from this levy - the rate automatically adjusts downward.
On your property tax bill, you’re already paying this levy. A “yes” vote means you continue paying what you’re already paying. A “no” vote removes this funding from the village.
More Information
For additional details about Gates Mills operating levies, visit:
Gates Mills Village Website - Operating Levy Information
Questions? Feel free to ask in the comments below or contact Village Hall at (440) 423-4405.
On your ballot, you’ll see:
Issue 10 - Proposed Tax Levy (Renewal) - Village of Gates Mills
☐ For the Tax Levy
☐ Against the Tax Levy