Council rejects replacement police levy

Members indicate more time needed to research

Legislation to put a replacement Kirtland police levy on the November ballot didn’t make it past the first step.

This week, City Council voted 5-1 against a resolution of necessity to replace an existing continuous 2.5-mill tax for police operations and requesting the Lake County Auditor to certify the amount that would be generated by the levy.

Because that measure was defeated, there was no vote taken on a subsequent resolution to place the levy on the ballot.

The levy first was passed in 1975, renewed in 1978 and made a continuous issue in 1981. It is now collecting at about 14

percent of the millage, according to the Lake County Auditor’s Office.

It yields $109,053 annually and costs homeowners $10.67 a year per $100,000 in property valuation. The replacement would have generated $614,978 annually and cost homeowners $87.50 per year per $100,000 in property value.

“The replacement levy would have funded a greater portion of the police department budget from levy dollars instead of general fund dollars,” Mayor Doug Davidson said. “With an eye on Kirtland’s results on the State Auditor’s Fiscal Health Indicators for cities in 2017, I felt it was appropriate to offer the legislation to secure the general fund, support the department and secure the level of services for residents. While I know there is broad support for

the department on council, they made it clear, understandably, that more lead time was needed for their consideration prior to sending it to the voters.”

Councilman David Kirek was the lone member to support the legislation. Those dissenting were John Lesnick, Richard Lowery, Kevin Potter, Robert Skrbis and Joseph Smolic. Matthew Schulz was absent.

Council usually likes to have the three full readings on legislation. The resolutions appeared on council’s July 2 agenda as emergency measures.

Aug. 8 is the filing deadline for November ballot issues.

Council President Potter read a several-paragraph statement explaining his vote.

“First, I want to articulate — beyond any shadow of a doubt — that I wholeheartedly respect and support our Kirtland Police force,” he said. “I can say this with such confidence, as I have now voted to pass three budgets that fully fund the department. Most recently, in 2018, I supported a police department budget that asked for over 13 percent more funding than in 2017. I stand behind the men and women that put their lives on the line, both day and night, to keep my family and community

“The replacement levy would have funded a greater portion of the police department budget from levy dollars instead of general fund dollars.” — Mayor Doug Davidson

safe. I would never want their job, and I marvel at their bravery and commitment.

“That said, I have to say that I was taken by surprise when four days ago, on my family vacation, I received my council packet via e-mail and saw this legislation to raise property taxes on the docket. Although the mayor had mentioned in passing several months ago that he might consider a police replacement levy to buoy the general fund, having no substantive discussion — then or leading up to today on this subject — I was obviously perplexed. On Sunday, in an e-mail, the mayor stated that the tax increase would ‘help secure the general fund.’ I don’t necessarily disagree with that sentiment but would caution voting for this legislation due to the lack of process that would help this council to better understand the timing and necessity for a permanent property tax increase. …”

He noted that the city is beginning to examine potential cost savings by transferring in-house emergency dispatching duties to Lake County’s Central Dispatch. He also called the levy legislation a “clever approach to get approval for more revenue for the general fund.”

“A vote against this proposal in no shape or form should reflect a lack of commitment to our brave officers, nor should it cause concern for safety in our city,” Potter said. “Rather it is council’s continued commitment to be open and honest with the residents as we work on a more sustainable operating budget. I am confident that we can do better. … We must recommit ourselves to having thoughtful, unemotional dialogue and do so as independent thinkers. In doing so, I know we will be better off.

An attempt to reach Police Chief Lance Nosse for comment was unsuccessful.