Cuyahoga voters approve two tax hikes

Unofficial election results reported Wednesday morning indicate that Cuyahoga County voters have approved two property tax increases to fund social services. Both Issue 10 and Issue 11 had secured more than 60 percent of the vote as of the early hours of the day.

The measures will inject substantial new revenue into county programs. Issue 11 adds $111 million to the Health and Human Services budget. Issue 10 provides roughly $100 million in new revenue for the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

These increases come at a time when affordability is a top concern for many residents. Both campaigns raised $1 million each to support voter outreach efforts. For homeowners, the financial impact is specific. Issue 10 adds $78.75 per $100,000 in home value. Including existing levies, the total cost for that portion of the CCBDD levy rises to $159.60.

Issue 11 carries a different cost structure. It adds $87.50 for every $100,000 in home value. When combined with two existing HHS levies, the total cost to homeowners reaches $295.29. This is the first property tax increase for the CCBDD since 2005. HHS agencies have passed ten tax levies since 1984, with six receiving more than 65 percent of the vote.

Amber Gibbs, CEO of the CCBDD, told voters on Tuesday night that the board was very grateful for the confidence placed in them. She stated that passing the levy means the community has invested in services that help people with developmental disabilities live as independently as possible. Gibbs noted that 81 percent of the agency’s dollars currently go to funding the local share of Medicaid costs.

Gibbs said the agency has gone 21 years without asking voters for more money. She described the spending as thoughtful and responsible. She also indicated that this levy would help sustain programs and services for the next 10 years. County Executive Chris Ronayne deferred comment on Issue 11 until Wednesday, waiting for fully reported results.

David Merriman, the county’s HHS Director, warned at a rally last month that $16 million in cuts would occur if the levy did not pass. This potential cut was on top of $20 million already removed from the yearly budget before 2026 began. The funding supports programs for seniors, children, those facing homelessness, and people struggling with addiction. Proposed cuts included reducing child protection services and cutting meal delivery for seniors.