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At our January 26 meeting, City Council unanimously voted to place a proposed 0.4% additional municipal income tax on the May 5, 2026, ballot. This action reflects the City’s review of current service demands, capital needs, and long-term financial planning. If approved by voters, the municipal income tax rate would change from 1.5% to 1.9% for a five-year period. For a household earning $100,000 in taxable wages, the proposed income tax increase would equal approximately $400 per year, or about $33 per month.

The increase is estimated to generate approximately $6.6 million in annual revenue during its five-year period. This revenue would go into a dedicated Roads and Capital Improvements Fund. A minimum of 65% of the revenue would be specifically designated for road improvements and associated debt, and a maximum of 35% designated to stormwater management projects, capital equipment, and payments on capital-related debt. By setting aside specific funds for roads and capital projects, we can rely less on the general fund to cover these costs. 

The proposed tax is focused on wage-earners contributing to the infrastructure we all use and will not increase the tax burden for residents on fixed retirement incomes. The tax does not apply to Social Security income, pensions, or annuities. Approximately 75% of City residents work and pay income taxes in other cities under our current 1.5% tax credit. Those dollars do not come back to Avon Lake. The 1.5% tax credit will remain in place, but the additional 0.4% tax would apply to earned income for ALL residents, regardless of where they work.

If voters approve the income tax increase, the City will reduce the property tax burden for all Avon Lake residents by eliminating the existing 1.5-mill operating property tax. After accounting for reduced property taxes, the income tax will bring in $5.5 million in net revenue.

Avon Lake’s success is built on strong neighborhoods, careful planning, and a shared commitment to the future. I encourage residents to explore the information provided on our website, ask questions, and participate in the voting process. A public information session will be held on Wednesday, March 11, at 7:00 p.m. at Avon Lake Public Library. I hope you can join us.

Mayor Mark Spaetzel

Nominate a Citizen and Project of the Year

Avon Lake Community Council is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Citizen of the Year and Project of the Year. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Do you have a person or project that you would like to nominate?

Nomination forms are available at the Avon Lake Public Library, Avon Lake City Hall, and the City website. Citizen and Project of the

Year Award winners will be honored at a special event at the Avon Lake Public Library in the spring.

Home Energy Assistance

Struggling to manage your home energy costs? Assistance programs are available.

The Ohio Department of Development offers various programs that can help qualifying Ohioans manage their utility bills and improve their home’s energy efficiency,

including:



• Percentage of Income Payment Plans (PIPP)

• Home Weatherization Assistance Program

• Home Energy Savings Program

• HEAP Winter Crisis Program

For information or to apply for assistance, call 800-282-0880 (for the hearing-impaired dial 711) or click the button below.

Fire Department Receives Grant

Community West Foundation, in partnership with Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital, awarded a $45,885 grant to the Avon Lake Fire Department to support the purchase of two LUCAS Mechanical CPR Devices. The devices will enhance the department’s ability to deliver consistent, high-quality, lifesaving care during cardiac emergencies.

Spring/Summer 2026 Program Guide

The Avon Lake Recreation Department's 2026 Spring/Summer Program Guide is available now.

This spring and summer in Avon Lake is packed with amazing programs for all ages, including the 250 Jubilee, youth summer camps, activities for seniors, concerts in the park, swim lessons, sports, and much more.