West Cleveland News

Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne and ten County Council members have introduced legislation for voter consideration in the upcoming March 2024 Primary Election, seeking to renew a 4.8-mill tax levy. This levy, if approved, will provide crucial funding for programs like child protective services, elder care, and indigent care through the County's MetroHealth system over the next eight years. The decision will undergo further discussion in an upcoming committee meeting.

Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne emphasized the importance of supporting the levy, stating, "Support for the levy is not just an investment in public health but a lifeline for those who rely on our services to survive."

Cuyahoga County has a history of consistently passing tax levies for health and human services (HHS) for over 70 years, with just one levy failing since 1976. The county has made significant advancements in its social services safety net since 2002 when a shift in government structure replaced the three Commissioners with one county executive and an 11-member County Council.

HHS remains a critical element of the county government, as underlined in its charter. Recently, a Health and Human Services Strategic Plan was introduced.

The Cuyahoga County Health and Human Services levy funds work in conjunction with federal and state contributions. Notably, Cuyahoga County stands out with two HHS levies, denoted as HHS Levy I and Levy II, both financed through property taxes. HHS Levy I, first passed in 2013, had a five-year duration. In contrast, HHS Levy II, enacted in 2016, is the larger of the two, extending for eight years and due for renewal, replacement, or expiration in 2024.

Cuyahoga County officials are currently proposing the renewal of the 4.8-mill HHS levy for consideration by voters in the March 2024 Primary Election. This proposal aims to provide crucial funding for services like child protection, elder care, and indigent care through the County's MetroHealth system over the next eight years. The decision will be discussed in an upcoming committee meeting.