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Norton Council adopts resolution urging Ohio lawmakers to reject House Bill 335
Summary
Council passed a resolution opposing HB 335, which members said would eliminate constitutionally guaranteed unvoted inside millage and transfer local budget authority to county budget commissions; council reported an estimated combined revenue impact to city and schools of about $750,000 if the bill were enacted.
The Norton City Council unanimously adopted Resolution 65-20-25 on July 7 urging the Ohio General Assembly to reject House Bill 335, which the resolution says would eliminate constitutionally guaranteed “inside” (unvoted) millage and grant county budget commissions authority to reduce local millages in certain circumstances.
Council members and staff described the proposal as early-stage legislation in the General Assembly; they said the city’s calculations — as discussed in the meeting — indicate a potential combined revenue loss to the city and local schools on the order of hundreds of thousands of dollars. At one point in the discussion a council member said the measure could represent a “$750,000 hit” to the city and schools; another reference in the discussion included $150,000, which council said reflects part of the overall impact.
Councilmember Harbert moved adoption of the resolution and the motion passed by roll call with all members voting yes. The adopted resolution directs city staff to transmit the council’s position to appropriate state contacts.
Why this matters: The city uses the unvoted inside millage, guaranteed under the Ohio Constitution, as part of its general fund revenue that supports operations such as police pension and other services. Council described the proposed state changes as involving constitutional and budgetary questions and said they would continue to monitor the bill’s progress at the state level.
What’s next: The resolution is a formal statement of the council’s opposition; it does not by itself change local tax rates. Council members said they will track the legislation and the administration will transmit the adopted resolution to state legislators and relevant contacts.
