Toledo-area voters went to the polls on November 4, 2026 and delivered a mixed verdict on local funding measures. While several school‑related levies cleared the ballot, the proposed 0.25% safety income tax – Issue 16 – was rejected.
Safety levy fails, city warns of layoffs
Issue 16 sought a 0.25% income tax to fund neighborhood safety initiatives, police and fire operations, and criminal‑gang disruption programs. City officials warned that a defeat would force reductions in public‑safety staffing. Deputy Mayor Abby Arnold estimated roughly 73 layoffs across the police and fire departments. “We’ll have a decreased ability to respond and a decreased ability to take care of those people because there will be less people to respond to emergencies,” said Joseph Cira, president of Toledo Firefighters Local 92.
School levies move forward
Voters approved a 6.9‑mill property‑tax levy (Issue 9) for Toledo Public Schools, projected to generate more than $22 million annually for current expenses and a district transformation plan. The levy would cost owners of a $100,000 home about $242 per year.
Superintendent Romulus Durant cited rising operational costs, inflation, and state funding cuts as the drivers behind the request.
In Maumee, a 1.25% income‑tax renewal levy passed, marking the first school‑district levy on the ballot in eight years. Superintendent Steve Lee said the measure would raise nearly $6 million, helping pull the district out of a $4 million fiscal deficit and preserving positions such as school nurses, support staff, and teachers. Residents earning $50,000 would pay roughly $625 annually.
Springfield Local Schools saw its 0.5% earned‑income tax approved, bringing in just over $4.5 million each year for day‑to‑day operations. Superintendent Matt Geha said the revenue would help avoid further staff and program cuts after earlier reductions.
Sylvania Schools voters approved a 1% income‑tax levy, expected to generate $5 million annually. The existing 4.9‑mill property tax will be reduced to 3.2 mills, saving homeowners about $35 per $100,000 of valuation. Superintendent Tim Zieroff noted the district faced a choice between passing the levy or making significant cuts.
Evergreen Local School District renewed a 0.25% income‑tax levy, adding about $850,000 annually for staffing, utilities, transportation, and curriculum. Superintendent Eric Smola said the renewal would cost residents earning $50,000 roughly $125 per year.
Library and cultural funding
A 3‑mill operational levy for the Toledo Lucas County Public Library passed, costing homeowners an additional $12 per $100,000 of home value. Library officials explained that a recent shift in state funding forced the system to find new revenue sources.
Lucas County voters also approved a 0.17‑mill property‑tax renewal levy for the Imagination Station science museum, bringing in about $1.3 million annually and costing property owners $3.22 per $100,000 of valuation. The renewal maintains the same rate first requested in 2008.
What the results mean
The election outcomes reflect strong community support for education and cultural institutions, while voters remain skeptical of new taxes earmarked for public‑safety staffing. City leaders will need to explore alternative budgeting strategies to address the projected shortfall in police and fire personnel.
All vote totals are unofficial until certified by Lucas County election officials.
Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.
