Council approves emergency tax resolution to implement five-year museum levy approved by voters

Director Potts told Shaker Heights City Council on Nov. 10 that voters approved a five-year property-tax levy to support the Shaker Historical Society Museum and that the County Budget Commission requires the city to revise the 2026 tax budget and tax-rate resolution immediately so the county can prepare tax bills.

Potts said the levy is expected to generate about $352,000 per year and recommended creating a custodial fund in the city’s accounting system to receive and pass through distributions to the museum. He emphasized the city would act as a pass-through — not a fiduciary — and would not charge an administrative fee; the city would issue payments to the museum when funds are received.

Councilmember Mrs. Moore moved and Mrs. Carmela Williams seconded a motion to accept the revised amounts and rates as determined by the County Budget Commission and authorize the tax levies on first reading as an emergency. The clerk called the roll for suspension and enactment; the council recorded unanimous 'Aye' votes on both calls.

Why it matters: the voter-approved levy provides a new recurring local revenue stream for museum operations beginning with property-tax billing in early 2026. Potts said the administration will create a distinct custodial fund and cut checks to the museum five times a year as funds arrive.

What’s next: finance staff will set up the custodial fund and submit the revised resolution to the County Fiscal Office to meet the budget commission’s deadlines for the January tax billing cycle.

Ending: council approved the tax-rate resolution on first reading as an emergency so the city can implement the new levy and distribute funds to the Shaker Historical Society Museum in 2026.