Norton council moves fire levy renewal onto May ballot for first reading

The Norton City Council voted to add Resolution 1-2026 to the Jan. 5 agenda for its first reading, a step to place a renewal fire levy on the May 5, 2026 ballot. The resolution, as read by the clerk, describes a levy "in excess of the 10-mill limitation for the purpose of providing and maintaining fire apparatus, appliances, buildings, and sites therefor, sources of water supply and materials therefor, the payment of permanent part time or volunteer firefighting, emergency medical service, administrative and communications personnel..." and cites statutory provisions in the Ohio Revised Code referenced in the reading.

Speakers emphasized that this measure is a renewal, not an increase in the levy rate; the text and committee discussion repeatedly characterized it as continuing the existing 5.6% amount. Council moved to add the resolution to the evening’s agenda and signaled intent to waive the third reading at the Jan. 20 meeting so the measure can meet statutory ballot-timing deadlines.

No final vote to place the question before voters was recorded tonight; the council advanced the procedural steps for a later final vote and public notice required for ballot placement.