Tuscarawas County commissioners place 1.2‑mill levy for developmental disabilities on Nov. 3 ballot

The Tuscarawas County Board of Commissioners on July 15 approved a resolution declaring it necessary to levy an additional tax outside the ten‑mill limitation to support the Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities. The resolution, passed 3–0, sets a levy not exceeding 1.2 mills per $1 of taxable value for 10 years and directs that the question be submitted to voters on Nov. 3, 2026.

The resolution cites Ohio Revised Code Sections 5705.03, 5705.222 and 5705.25 and Chapter 5126 and requests that the Clerk of the Board certify the measure to the County Auditor, with instructions for the auditor to calculate the current total taxable value of the county, estimate the revenue the levy would produce (rounded to the nearest dollar), and report the dollar amount per $100,000 of county auditor market value. If approved by voters, the levy would be placed on the 2026 tax list and duplicate and first due in calendar year 2027.

Commissioner Mitch Pace introduced the resolution and Commissioner Greg Ress seconded it. After brief discussion, the board voted unanimously to adopt the measure. In subsequent remarks, Commissioner Pace said he appreciated the DD Board’s presentation and its focus on lowering the tax burden; Commissioner Kristin Zemis thanked the DD Board for an updated presentation and noted cost‑saving steps already implemented and planned.

The clerk will promptly certify the resolution to the county auditor, who must return estimates required by state law prior to formal placement on the ballot. The resolution passed in open session with a recorded vote of three ayes and zero nays.