A news release from Ohio Rep. Gary Click’s office last week heralded the House budget as “approving over $4 billion in record property tax relief for Ohioans and ensuring that every school district in the state receives an increase in school funding in fiscal years 2026 and 2027.” Sounds pretty great, right? Other Republican legislators sent similar news releases. But the Ohio state legislature has a history of shafting public schools while spending $1 billion a year on private school vouchers. What’s hidden beneath the PR spin is that the one-time property tax cut would be taken directly from public schools. How? The plan would cap school districts’ “carryover balances” at 30% of their annual operating costs. Extra money would need to be spent immediately or returned to homeowners as discounts on their property tax bills starting January 2027. This could devastate schools, which depend on property taxes to operate. They say their cash reserves get inflated by the timing of levies, federal stimulus funds and ongoing projects and that they’re saving for future expenses. — Laura |
Overnight Scores and Weather |
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A proposed bill would require Ohio school districts with excess funds to spend the money immediately or return it to homeowners as discounts on their property tax bills starting January 2027. (Will Katcher, MassLive file photo) |
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School taxes: Republicans say it’s time for schools to stop “hoarding dollars” while asking voters for new tax levies, report Laura Hancock and Anna Staver. Schools say they build cash reserves early in a levy cycle to cover higher expenses later, allowing them to wait longer before asking voters for another property tax increase. Browns deal: When financing for the Browns proposed $2.4 billion stadium in Brook Park shakes out, who’s really footing the bill? How does the deal compare to what taxpayers are shelling out for Rocket Arena and Progressive Field? It’s complicated, reports Rich Exner. But compared to the basketball and baseball deals, the Browns’ proposal leans more on money tied directly to the site and less so from taxes collected across the county. Today in Ohio: U.S. Sen. Jon Husted signed on to a bill to prevent SNAP recipients from using their public benefits to buy candy, ice cream and other sugary foods. Does it make sense to prioritize nutrition? Or is the government misguided? We’re debating on Today in Ohio, cleveland.com’s daily half-hour news podcast. |
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Bengals ask: As Ohio lawmakers advance a plan to offer $600 million in state aid toward a new Browns stadium, there are now lobbying efforts underway to obtain similar help for the Cincinnati Bengals and FC Cincinnati, reports Jeremy Pelzer. The Bengals, with the backing of Hamilton County, are asking state lawmakers to amend their pending state budget plan to offer $350 million in state assistance to help pay for a planned $830 million renovation of Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati. Third term: President Donald Trump said last month that there are “methods” by which he could remain in office for a third term, skirting the two-term limit set in the U.S. Constitution nearly 75 years ago. But Jeremy Pelzer reports that Ohio lawmakers believe it’s a moot issue. Trump effect: As of April 10, President Trump had signed 112 executive orders – more than twice as many as the 55 he signed in all of 2017, his first year in office. We compiled all our stories on the impacts of the orders. SNAP: U.S. Sen. Jon Husted is co-sponsoring legislation that would block people from using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits to purchase soft drinks, candy and prepared desserts, reports Sabrina Eaton. A 2007 U.S. Department of Agriculture report on the implications of blocking junk food purchases with SNAP benefits found “there are serious problems with the rationale, feasibility and potential effectiveness” of such proposals. Public health experts told Molly Walsh the idea wouldn’t necessarily address real problems. Treasurer's race: The Republican primary battle for Ohio treasurer in 2026 is becoming even more crowded, as ex-state Rep. Jay Edwards filed paperwork Friday to enter the race, Jeremy Pelzer reports. Edwards, an Athens County resident whose 2026 plans have been the subject of Statehouse rumors for months, is the fourth Republican to run for state treasurer. |
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H.O.P.E. Campus: Construction is finally underway for the final phases of a special housing facility that Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne has been promising for youth in custody with nowhere else to go. Kaitlin Durbin reports the final phase of the $14 million renovation is expected to close the gap in the county’s child placement crisis by creating a new front door where all children can be assessed, treated and housed until they’re able to go back home or find other appropriate care. Stocking steelhead: For the second year in a row, the Ohio Division of Wildlife has stocked the Cuyahoga River with non-native steelhead trout. But Cuyahoga Valley National Park is concerned that the stocking of steelhead, which are native to the Pacific Northwest, could upset the balance of nature in the Cuyahoga and streams that feed it, reports Peter Krouse. West Side Market: King Quality Produce is fighting against the West Side Market’s decision to terminate its lease, reports Paris Wolfe. The business is launching a petition drive, claiming it is being targeted because husband-and-wife owners have been vocal in their criticism of conditions at the market and its leadership. Jimmy Dimora: The clock is ticking on the end of Jimmy Dimora’s federal corruption sentence. Dimora, 69, will technically begin his three years of post-prison supervision Friday, even though he was released from lockup in 2023, reports Adam Ferrise. Our Best Life: Brothers and sisters are in constant competition for everything, including their parents’ affection, attention and energy. Laura Johnston writes about how the magnets of her near-mirror images pull and repel to mold their lives. If you grew up with siblings, they shaped your personality. Cain Park: Cain Park’s general manager has been suspended without pay for five days and ordered to take anger management courses after an outside investigation concluded that he exhibited “a pattern of aggressive and intimidating behavior” toward multiple staff members, Cory Shaffer reports. Earth Day: On a welcome warm April day, volunteers gathered Sunday at an urban farm to dig in the soil, get their hands dirty and celebrate Earth Day early, Julie Washington reports. Hydration stations: Sheffield Lake will soon install new hydration stations at City Hall, the Joyce E. Hanks Community Center and the city’s public boat launch. That’s thanks to a grant awarded by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. |
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Stock prices: Stock prices of publicly traded companies based in Northeast Ohio plummeted and rebounded over the past several days after President Donald Trump announced — and then delayed — global tariffs. Molly Walsh is tracking stock prices of our local businesses as the stock market ricochets. Family Practice: Neighborhood Family Practice’s new 10,000-square-foot facility, which opened on Cleveland’s West Side, will enable the center to serve more patients with a wider range of primary care, dental, pharmacy and behavioral health services, reports Julie Washington. |
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Bombs found: A Cuyahoga County grand jury is expected to consider charges against a Cleveland man accused of carrying explosives in his Mercedes-Benz, reports Lucas Daprile. Fatal shooting: A 35-year-old man died early Sunday morning after being shot multiple times at a bar in Akron, Peter Krouse reports. The shooting occurred during an altercation at the bar, according to police. Prosecutor lawsuit: The law firm representing a Cleveland activist accused of extortion plans to sue those responsible for what it calls an “egregiously unconstitutional prosecution” as Cuyahoga County prosecutors seek to disqualify the firm from the case. Defense attorney Peter Pattakos railed against Prosecutor Michael O’Malley’s office this week over the case of Antoine “Fahiem” Tolbert and allegations that his attorney participated in a meeting where Tolbert’s victims were threatened, reports David Gambino. Mentor teacher: Authorities are investigating a former teacher at Mentor Public Schools who was accused of inappropriate conduct with a student. Lucas Daprile reports the name of the teacher and the nature of the allegations are unclear. Officer guilty: A Cleveland police officer who assaulted his child’s mother outside of a Painesville elementary school last year pleaded guilty to charges Thursday that will end his career, Olivia Mitchell reports. Alexander Sinclair, 34, of Madison Township, submitted his resignation letter to the Cleveland Division of Police after he pleaded guilty to kidnapping, abduction, endangering children, assault, inducing panic and obstructing official business. Toddler alone: An Elyria woman was arrested Thursday and charged with endangering children after police said her 3-year-old daughter, who was left home alone, wandered across a busy street, reports Olivia Mitchell. |
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Super Guardians: The Guardians will host a Superman night for the popular comic book hero July 23 when they host the Baltimore Orioles. Peter Chakerian reports the first 15,000 fans will get a specially branded “Metropolis Meteors” T-shirt. Midón: Grammy-nominated Midón is a boundary-breaking maestro: a deft, virtuosic guitarist who roots into folk, jazz, R&B and Latin melodicism for inspiration. His improvisational skills and voice are like an intuitive salve for the soul. Malcolm X Abram reports that Midón’s “Lost & Found” Tour brings him to the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Gartner Auditorium for a 7:30 p.m. concert Wednesday, promising a tuneful night of brilliance. His masterful art offers something for all. Loudville: Rocket Arena is transforming its Loudville space into the Corona Cantina, expanding its collaborations with Corona, Modelo and Fresca drinks, reports Alex Darus. House of the Week: Tucked along the bend where the Rocky River meets Lake Erie, the home at 19486 Frazier Drive offers breathtaking views in both directions. Priced at $4,995,000, the property would mark the highest sale ever recorded in Rocky River if it goes for asking, reports Joey Morona. Built in 2008, the five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bath home includes a finished basement and a three-car garage. |
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Case Western Reserve University orders students to shelter in place after ‘armed intruder’ detained Read more Cargo van sought in fatal hit-and-run accident in Cleveland Read more New robotics, automation program coming to Polaris Career Center in 2026 Read more Middleburg Heights expands residential sewer/septic grant program Read more Middleburg Heights offers residents new exterior maintenance grant program Read more |
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