Norton voters approve renewal of fire levy, Norton school levy is defeated

By EMILY CANNING-DEAN

BGNN staff writer

NORTON  A proposed renewal levy that funds the Norton Fire Department has officially been approved while voters defeated a proposed income tax levy for Norton City Schools.

According to final but unofficial results from the Summit County Board of Elections Issue 13, a renewal levy for the Norton fire department, was approved 1,751 votes (55.92 percent) to 1,380 votes (44.08 percent).

Issue 2, a proposed 0.75 percent earned income tax levy for Norton City Schools was defeated with 2,048 (59.12 percent) voting against the levy and 1,416 (40.88 percent) voting in favor of the levy.

According to city officials, the Norton fire levy is a renewal only and not a new tax or tax increase. With the renewal approved, collection will commence in 2026 with the fire department starting to receive funds in 2027. This levy will keep the department on its regular five-year renewal cycle.

Under this levy, property owners will continue to pay $152 per $100,000 valuation of the county fiscal officer’s market value each year for five years.

“We’re asking for this renewal so we are able to safely continue what we do best – protecting and serving you and your family when you need it most,” read a statement from the Norton Fire Department. “When emergencies happen, every second counts. This renewal levy will help preserve today’s short response times while making sure our crews have the personal, training and equipment they need to respond safely and effectively.”

If the Norton City Schools income tax levy had been approved, it would have increased the current earned income tax in Norton from 0.5 percent to 1.25 percent. The levy would have applied only to earned income and would not have affected property values.

“Norton City Schools, like many districts across Ohio, has experienced declining state funding alongside the expansion of Ohio’s voucher program, which has redirected additional resources away from public schools,” read a statement from the school district. “These changes have created ongoing financial pressure on the district.”

Had the levy been approved, it would have cost an individual with an annual salary of $50,000 an additional $375 per year and an individual with an annual salary of $100,000 an additional $750 per year.

If approved, the levy was expected to generate roughly $3 million in annual revenue for the school district.