Cuyahoga County Tax Vote: $111 Million Levy Passes for Social Services
Voters approved two levies Tuesday, securing funding for health programs while decisions on transit and stadium repairs remain unresolved.
By Carlos Rousseau ·
Cuyahoga County voters approved a package of property tax levies on Tuesday that will add nearly $111 million to the county budget for social services.
The measure, labeled Issue 11, passed alongside Issue 10, which provides additional revenue for the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities. County Executive Chris Ronayne won a second term in the same election, defeating a write-in challenger by a margin of 98 percent.
The county faced a tight fiscal environment before the vote. In 2026, officials reduced the health and human services budget for 2027 by $20.5 million. Projections indicate that operational costs for these services will continue to increase in the coming years. Ronayne stated that the new revenue would prevent further reductions to programs serving seniors, children, and individuals experiencing homelessness or food insecurity.
Ronayne told Signal Cleveland that the county intends to expand its focus on social determinants of health, including medical care, addiction services, and food assistance. Specific allocations will be detailed in the upcoming budget proposal. He attributed the rising costs to state and federal policy choices, which he described as having undermined the local safety net.
The county executive expects to coordinate with Gov.-elect Amy Acton on these priorities. Ronayne said he has already discussed health as a central issue with the incoming governor, noting that her medical background aligns with the county's goals.
Two major spending questions remain for local taxpayers. The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority plans to ask voters in May 2027 for a sales tax increase, its first such request in fifty years. Ronayne, who appoints members of the RTA board, said he wants a comprehensive community transportation plan before supporting the ballot measure. He expressed concern that without a clear strategy, passage would be difficult.
Gateway Economic Development Corp., the landlord for Progressive Field and Rocket Arena, also seeks funding for repairs. The Cleveland Cavaliers have requested $37 million to upgrade arena scoreboard and audio systems. County and city officials are currently negotiating the cost share with the team owners. Ronayne said no specific revenue source has been identified yet, but negotiations are ongoing to determine how the expense will be divided among the city, the county, and the teams.
