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Finance Committee asks staff for county estimates as North Royalton reviews EMS levy renewal options
Summary
Fire Chief Robert Chegan reviewed the EMS levy history and the committee asked staff to obtain county projections showing revenue and taxpayer cost for 1.7-mill and 2.0-mill scenarios; materials will inform Council and potential ballot timing for collections beginning January 2028.
Fire Chief Robert Chegan briefed the Finance Committee on the history and purpose of the city's EMS levy on May 19, 2026, and the committee asked staff to obtain county projections for renewal options.
Chegan said the original levy that established paramedic service was placed in 1988; an additional 0.5 mill was added in 1993 bringing the levy to 1.7 mills, and renewals occurred in subsequent years (1997, 2002, 2007, 2013). The panel discussed more recent changes in state property-tax rules that limit replacement levies; the mayor and finance director clarified the city's options are renewal at the same millage or renewal with an increase. Chief Chegan noted the levy is structured to begin collection in January 2028 if enacted.
Finance Director Jenny Esarey confirmed staff will obtain estimates showing revenue for Fund 209 under a 1.7-mill scenario and a 2.0-mill scenario and will provide taxpayer cost examples (for example, cost per $100,000 of assessed value) so Council can evaluate whether to place a renewal or increased-levy question before voters. The committee recommended Ordinances 26-97 and 26-98 to Council to authorize that feasibility work; motions carried Yeas: Two (Petrusky, Gorjanc).
Committee members emphasized the need to review clear county calculations before debating millage levels; staff were directed to return with the requested data to inform Council decision-making.
