Amherst voters headline a clean sweep for county renewal levies

Amherst voters led the way in Lorain County renewal levies where they overwhelmingly approved a $4.9 million levy for the Amherst Exempted Village School District on May 2.

The five-year renewal passed 1,568 to 600, according to unofficial results from the Lorain County Elections Board.

The levy will cover current expenses and ensure the continued financial health of the district, according to Amherst Schools Superintendent Steve Sayers,

The approval means the district will be financially stable through 2021 and will allow it to continue moving forward in a position of strength, Sayers said.

“Obviously, we are very excited and we are thankful for the support of the community,” he said. “We are so grateful for their support and their students.”

The levy would cost $148 annually per $100,000 of property valuation, and raise almost $2.7 million a year, according to the county Auditor’s Office.

Amherst also had a $1.0 million fire renewal levy pass 1,082 to 255, according to unofficial results, which will support maintenance of buildings and infrastructure.

Amherst Mayor Mark Costilow was pleased with the results.

“We are thankful to people for putting trust in the administration and we will continue to provide good protection going forward,” Costilow said.

The levy allows the city to provide and maintain fire apparatus, appliances, buildings and sites. It generates $282,638 a year, and will cost $29.09 annually per $100,000 of property value, according to the auditor’s office.

Sheffield Village voters approved a renewal levy, 188-58, to make equipment upgrades.

Mayor John Hunter said the new units will replace fire trucks which are 11 and 17 years old and funding for the purchase of upgraded safety equipment to help protect firefighters.

“I’m very pleased that the residents took the time to go out and vote today,” Hunter said. “It is a plus for them and city employees.”

The levy will cost $53.42 annually per $100,000 of property value and is expected to bring in $280,928 in revenue per year.

Sheffield Township voters approved two renewal levies.

The first levy passed 6322 and will provide $1 million to support electricity expenses for street lights and is expected to generate $28,101 a year and will cost an estimated $15.94 annually per $100,000 property valuation.

The second renewal levy passed 61-24. It provides for current expenses will support the township’s general fund and will generate $18,201 per year and cost an estimated $8.25 annually per $100,000 of property valuation.

Sheffield Township Trustee Chad Parsons was grateful for the support from residents and said the results are a step in the right direction for the municipality.

“I think the residents see the services that come out of these renewals and we are thankful for their support,” Parsons said.

Kipton Village approved a $2.0 million renewal levy 24-4 to support permanent improvements for sewers.

The levy will create $3,307 per year and would cost $27.66 annually per $100,000 of property value.